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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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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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 And probably pretty uncomfortable after hitting the artificial turf of the Trop. — Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2026 Time will tell if artificial reefs can be a long-term solution. — Devika Rao, TheWeek, 23 Oct. 2026 While diet soda doesn’t affect blood sugar levels, some studies show artificial sweeteners may affect the gut microbiome (the community of microbes in the gut). — Brittany Poulson, Verywell Health, 23 Oct. 2026 The 1990 Tim Burton classic stars a youthful Johnny Depp and Winona Ryder — then still a celebrity couple — in the touching story of an artificial man with blades for hands. — Jennifer Day, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 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
  • Some movements feel unnatural, facial expressions are exaggerated, and small details occasionally fall into the uncanny valley or break rules of logical consistency.
    — Britta Miller, The Washington Examiner, 14 Oct. 2026
  • But closer examination reveals that OpenAI’s proof builds its unnatural force in a totally distinct way.
    — Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of unnatural
Adjective
  • In episode 4, Noah made up an elaborate ruse involving a fake friend’s wedding in Napa — a means of getting Joanne to wine country for a romantic weekend.
    — Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The two fans came with their own props even though fake mustaches were given to fans at the entry gates.
    — Armando L. Sanchez, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of fake
Adjective
  • An accident in the Chihuahua mountains On April 19, the Chihuahua Attorney General’s Office reported the dismantling of a synthetic drug lab in the municipality of Morelos, in the mountains of that state.
    — María Verza, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026
  • But every year, millions end up in a landfill after a single use, and many are made from synthetic plastics that don't easily break down, contributing to environmental pollution.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of synthetic
Adjective
  • However, royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told Fox News Digital that Harry's willingness to publicly discuss his strained family relationships only makes the royals more reluctant to extend an olive branch.
    — Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Other governments around the world are also feeling pressure because of high debt loads and strained budgets, including the United States.
    — Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of strained
Adjective
  • By refining double magnetic resonance for a single atom, the team demonstrated a way to address these different magnetic components independently.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Jackson Chourio had a single and double, improving to 10 for 20 in the Series.
    — Ronald Blum, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of double
Adjective
  • For the fashion lover who prefers to make a statement, look to the collection’s red-hot faux-fur Madison shoulder bag.
    — Laura Jackson, Vogue, 27 Oct. 2026
  • An electric fireplace and lots of glazing round out the space, and the timber shiplap finish and faux stone fireplace surround are a nice touch, lending it a cabin-like look.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of faux
Adjective
  • Other footage showed personnel practicing attacks against mock armored vehicles and defensive positions.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026
  • The Lakers star waved his hand in mock disgust toward Hachimura.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 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 29 Oct. 2026.

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