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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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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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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 Then there is smell, dulled by our reliance on artificial fragrance; and sound, overwhelmed by notification pings. — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 19 Sep. 2026 Researchers created an active, real-time sensing system by mounting a pair of flexible artificial whiskers to the front of a drone. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 18 Sep. 2026 While the networks were boosted by the introduction of Nielsen’s Big Data + Panel currency last fall, the artificial lift provided by the upgrade to the ratings methodology was a one-shot deal. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 18 Sep. 2026 Hauer-King and Suter fare much worse, delivering performances that feel sarcastic and artificial. — Jourdain Searles, HollywoodReporter, 18 Sep. 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
  • Generated by an internal large language model (LLM), OpenAI’s proof relies on an approach that many experts find unnatural.
    — Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Some deepfakes still have telltale flaws such as unnatural facial movements, lip-sync glitches, robotic speech or awkward pauses — but the technology is rapidly improving, a spokesperson for the organization said.
    — Emily Elconin for CNN, CNN Money, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of unnatural
Adjective
  • The Scarlet Knights ran a fake punt to convert a fourth and 21 for a 44-yard gain that sparked a touchdown drive to close the gap to three points.
    — Sean Campbell, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026
  • The products, which sport fake USDA inspection labels, were distributed to grocery stores and restaurants across the United States.
    — Julia Hawkins, Idaho Statesman, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of fake
Adjective
  • Researchers at the Advanced Science Research Center at the CUNY Graduate Center (CUNY ASRC) have discovered that passing waves through a special class of synthetic media forces them to abandon chaotic scattering entirely.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 28 Sep. 2026
  • This helps keep your garden soil and plants free of synthetic chemicals and plastics.
    — SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 27 Sep. 2026
Definition of synthetic
Adjective
  • Harris has a strained relationship with the party's progressive wing, which includes El-Sayed, and El-Sayed is eager to solidify establishment support during his campaign against Republican nominee Mike Rogers, a former congressman.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 21 Sep. 2026
  • The nonfiction feature examines the filmmaker’s strained relationship with her father, an estrangement caused by his Oxycontin addiction.
    — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of strained
Adjective
  • Ticketed economy and premium economy passengers who are at least 15 years old can pay $495 to book a four-hour session (no double bookings allowed).
    — CNT Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Sep. 2026
  • The bedroom itself is a typical loft with a low ceiling and a double bed, and is accessed by the storage staircase.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of double
Adjective
  • In place of a faux leather base, the bags are all now made of a sturdy canvas material with a coated canvas base.
    — Madison Flager, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Sep. 2026
  • The faux Sheeran then sings a song about how both sides can be equally right.
    — Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of faux
Adjective
  • Alaïa’s oxblood jersey gown proves the point, with a high mock neck and figure-skimming silhouette that lets the fabric do the talking, before falling into a sweeping mermaid hem.
    — Sarah Zendejas, Vogue, 25 Sep. 2026
  • The quartet had arranged with Sheindlin a mock trial involving a dispute over the costs of Adler’s birthday party.
    — Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 24 Sep. 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Artificial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/artificial. Accessed 28 Sep. 2026.

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