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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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 These are small areas, generally in urban neighborhoods in the Netherlands and internationally, on which soccer is played on a surface made of artificial grass. — Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026 Players and coaches have criticized the quality of the field at MetLife, which usually uses an artificial surface for NFL games of the New York Giants and Jets. — ABC News, 10 July 2026 Choosing sugar alcohols or artificial sweeteners over sugar may help with blood sugar management and other aspects of health. — Brittany Lubeck, Verywell Health, 10 July 2026 The field will be artificial turf, with a dirt infield similar to Tropicana Field. — Tampa Bay Times, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 July 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
  • While some hair products can be used across different textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, and colors (natural and unnatural), they are often created with specific consumers in mind.
    — Catharine Malzahn, Allure, 13 July 2026
  • Extreme corsetry, volumes, and silhouettes morphed women’s bodies into unnatural forms, some hyper-perfect, others creature-like.
    — Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 10 July 2026
Definition of unnatural
Adjective
  • Ify’s box contains a fake $100 bill, but Catherine decides to keep her box.
    — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 14 July 2026
  • Judges around the country have seen a rise in threats of violence and intimidation, including a fake swatting call to police about Barrett’s home in May.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 July 2026
Definition of fake
Adjective
  • The reactors convert hydrocarbon feedstocks into the company’s synthetic Fractal Graphene products through a continuous manufacturing process.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 14 July 2026
  • Because SpudCells’ genome is split across several separate pieces of DNA rather than a single molecule, as in a real cell, some of the synthetic cells fail to inherit a complete set of genes.
    — Lori Youmshajekian, Scientific American, 14 July 2026
Definition of synthetic
Adjective
  • But things between Harry and his older brother, Prince William, reportedly remain strained.
    — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 15 July 2026
  • Increasing Spanish costs for defense, such as building forts and training militia, led to higher taxes and strained local economies.
    — Lindsay Schakenbach Regele, The Conversation, 13 July 2026
Definition of strained
Adjective
  • If Messi is the main focus of England’s attention, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has to contend with the double threat of Bellingham and Kane.
    — James Robson, AJC.com, 15 July 2026
  • Blorian, 26, captained Hapoel Be’er Sheva to an Israeli cup and league-title double last season.
    — Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 15 July 2026
Definition of double
Adjective
  • In others, background actors adjust their chain mail and faux furs and clutch prop weapons, some of which are designed to explode and splatter blood on impact.
    — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 13 July 2026
  • Outdated trends like faux barnwood and glossy finishes are being replaced by authentic, low-maintenance materials.
    — Nomita Vaish-Taylor, The Spruce, 13 July 2026
Definition of faux
Adjective
  • The students participated in Cobb County Superior Court's Courtroom to Classroom program, an initiative that introduces elementary students to the judicial system through a mock trial led by Chief Judge Anne Harris.
    — Alexa Liacko, CBS News, 13 July 2026
  • The stripes tap into one of summer’s biggest trends, while the mock neck tank adds a polished touch with the relaxed drawstring wide-leg pants.
    — Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 10 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 16 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of artificial for Spanish Speakers

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