artificial

adjective

ˌär-tə-ˈfi-shᵊl How to pronounce artificial (audio)
Definition of artificialnext
1
as in unnatural
lacking in natural or spontaneous quality their artificial smiles did not make us feel very welcome

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in fake
not being or expressing what one appears to be or express the familiar sight of the award winner accepting the artificial congratulations of the other nominees

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in synthetic
being such in appearance only and made with or manufactured from usually cheaper materials artificial fruit made from wax

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in nonnatural
produced by humans rather than natural processes I find that artificial sweeteners often have an odd aftertaste

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of artificial Cyborg insects use the creature’s own muscles to move, so such hybrids consume less power than small artificial robots used for similar purposes. — ArsTechnica, 3 Aug. 2026 In an era of screen abundance, Hollywood has tried to differentiate the theatrical release by creating an artificial sense of scarcity and transience. — Sophia Nguyen, The Atlantic, 2 Aug. 2026 Oftentimes the dill flavor is too artificial, or the texture of the snack gets in the way of the flavor. — Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Aug. 2026 Artificial turf fields This is the second year the district will be replacing grass football fields with artificial turf. — Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 1 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for artificial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for artificial
  1. unnatural
  2. fake
  3. synthetic
  4. strained
  5. double
  6. faux
  7. mock
  8. lip
Adjective
  • This is a standard procedure for unnatural deaths in Jackson County, not necessarily an indication that a crime was committed or is suspected.
    — James Powel, USA Today, 22 July 2026
  • The Victorian era was awash in handwringing about the loss of male vigor (some of which was blamed on the unnatural intellectual pursuits of women).
    — Elizabeth Dray, STAT, 21 July 2026
Definition of unnatural
Adjective
  • Is this the same Panthea who hates anyone fake or putting things on?
    — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Alongside its launch, Onton released research revealing that current top AI models struggle to filter out fake content and biased reviews—proving that today’s systems simply aren’t built for modern, noisy web environments.
    — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of fake
Adjective
  • Even milder synthetic alternatives like DEET are increasingly restricted worldwide due to health risks, creating an urgent need for safer, more sustainable pest management solutions.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 4 Aug. 2026
  • In landfills, synthetic bristles on paintbrushes can take hundreds of years to degrade, while their plastic handles take up to a thousand years, Silverman said.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of synthetic
Adjective
  • Yes, the excuses used to finally get them in the same frame together run the gamut from strained to getthefuckouttahere.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 28 July 2026
  • There is no frantic downshift, no strained exhaust note, and little sensation of mechanical effort.
    — Karl Brauer, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
Definition of strained
Adjective
  • Ask Italian soccer club AS Roma, which on Wednesday made a double announcement that took the cross-pollination between the two fields to the next level.
    — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 29 July 2026
  • Among the highlights is a double-height living room with a fireplace, a seated bar, and floor-to-ceiling glass doors spilling out to an expansive deck sporting a covered entertaining area, plus a pool and spa.
    — Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 29 July 2026
Definition of double
Adjective
  • The faux suede boots, which are available in standard and wide calf widths, feature a pointed toe, block heels, and a slouchy design.
    — Isabel Bekele, InStyle, 5 Aug. 2026
  • The ballet became a hilarious parody of Wagnerian cliches as a cartwheeling child wearing sneakers with rainbow lights and dressed in gold, resembling statues of the composer, presided in front of a faux Bayreuth proscenium.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of faux
Adjective
  • Instead of dwelling on the crime, the owners decided to respond with humor, posting the video on Instagram with a mock 0-star review for the burglary crew.
    — Charlie De Mar, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026
  • After Max tortures them in a mock-trial confrontation in their living room, Tom eventually tackles Max into the backyard pool.
    — Benjamin VanHoose, PEOPLE, 31 July 2026
Definition of mock
Adjective
  • Likewise, lip masks designed to be worn overnight can provide improved hydration and comfort over daytime treatments.
    — Caroline Reilly, Forbes.com, 25 Mar. 2026
  • On the opposite end of the spectrum, Tatianna points to cinnamon as a conductor of heat—one commonly used in lip plumper products to achieve a sultry pout.
    — Essence, Essence, 23 Nov. 2025
Definition of lip

Browse Nearby Words

artifices
artificial
artificiality
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Cite this Entry

“Artificial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/artificial. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of artificial for Spanish Speakers

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