1
as in unnatural
lacking in natural or spontaneous quality
their artificial smiles did not make us feel very welcome
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
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Recent Examples of artificial
Make your home look more inviting with the help of realistic-looking artificial flowers.
—
Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 June 2026
Over the past decade, Beijing transformed several reefs and outcroppings in the Spratly Islands into fortified artificial islands equipped with airfields, deep-water ports, radar systems and missile sites.
—James Laporta, CBS News, 11 June 2026
Moreover, Christian humanists believe the sacred-secular divide that many Christians embrace is not just artificial but profoundly misguided.
—Peter Wehner, The Atlantic, 10 June 2026
The encyclical’s strongest warning is that lethal and irreversible decisions must never be entrusted to artificial systems.
—Vilas Dhar, Time, 10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for artificial
Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 June 2026
Over the past decade, Beijing transformed several reefs and outcroppings in the Spratly Islands into fortified artificial islands equipped with airfields, deep-water ports, radar systems and missile sites.
—James Laporta, CBS News, 11 June 2026
Moreover, Christian humanists believe the sacred-secular divide that many Christians embrace is not just artificial but profoundly misguided.
—Peter Wehner, The Atlantic, 10 June 2026
The encyclical’s strongest warning is that lethal and irreversible decisions must never be entrusted to artificial systems.
—Vilas Dhar, Time, 10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for artificial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for artificial
Adjective
-
While there are certain products that can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and needs, hair products are often created with specific consumers in mind.—
Jailynn Taylor,
Allure,
13 June 2026
-
This is fast enough for the robot to react to environmental changes in real time without making its motions feel jerky or unnatural.—
Lee-Lean Shu,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026
Adjective
-
Authorities say the operation powered fake websites built to steal credit card numbers, passwords and other personal information.—
Staff,
FOXNews.com,
19 June 2026
-
None of that makes the project fake.—
Gabriel Alin Zainescu,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2026
Adjective
-
What is in tandem here is the exuberantly generative possibility of life itself (SCOBY, water) alongside the very synthetic polymers that are literally wrecking life on an individual and systemic level.—
Eugenie Brinkema,
ARTnews.com,
14 June 2026
-
The synthetic material helps with durability.—
Tim Newcomb,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2026
Adjective
-
Austin Nieves, a recent transplant to the area and the man who had brought this brave group together, broke the strained silence by handing out beers.—
Andrew J. Campa,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2026
-
Dani provides the voiceover, filled with strained metaphors about earthquakes and sermons on the importance of summer, but the pretense that the dialogue is taken from his interrogation is quickly abandoned.—
Alison Herman,
Variety,
19 June 2026
Adjective
-
Then and only then did Brunson wrap his head in a towel, double over at the waist and start crying.—
Dana O’Neil,
CNN Money,
14 June 2026
-
The Angels added to their advantage in the sixth inning when Guzman delivered a two-out two-run single and Walton followed with his run-scoring double.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
14 June 2026
Adjective
-
Much like the Juliette bag, this faux leather weekender from Wogarl combines style and functionality, with enough room to fit a week’s worth of clothing and a 21-inch laptop.—
Sophie Dodd,
Travel + Leisure,
17 June 2026
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The rooms feature Bianco Bianchi faux marble scagliola pieces, precious tapestries by artist Elena Carozzi, Impruneta terracotta flooring and bathrooms in Cipollino marble from Carrara.—
Andrea Onate,
Footwear News,
16 June 2026
Adjective
-
Public health officials have been preparing for months, said Philadelphia’s Raval-Nelson, including with mock emergency drills and communications with counterparts around the country.—
Lauran Neergaard,
Los Angeles Times,
15 June 2026
-
The mock-neck tank pairs effortlessly with jeans, shorts, or skirts, while the floral wide-leg pants can stand on their own with a simple white tee.—
Chaise Sanders,
Travel + Leisure,
12 June 2026
Adjective
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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
Cite this Entry
“Artificial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/artificial. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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