ARTIFICIAL Synonyms: 178 Similar and Opposite Words

artificial

adjective

ˌär-tə-ˈfi-shᵊl

Definition of artificial next

as in unnatural

lacking in natural or spontaneous quality their artificial smiles did not make us feel very welcome

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Relevance

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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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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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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 Courtesy Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation Because of that, Soldier Hollow is increasingly reliant on artificial snow. —

Evan Bush, NBC news, 27 Mar. 2026 The threat of Sacramento heat also played a major role in the A’s ditching early plans to install artificial turf, which would have created a hotter playing field but had been intended to better withstand the wear and tear from hosting both Athletics and River Cats game. —

Michael McGough, Sacbee.com, 26 Mar. 2026 Bridget Cisneroz uses her aesthetician experience from events like The Met Gala and New York Fashion Week to provide artificial tanning services. —

Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Mar. 2026 By the 1770s, Linnaeus had pretty much conquered Europe—all, that is, except for the King’s Garden in Paris, where Georges Buffon, the garden’s director, adamantly rejected his system as arbitrary and artificial. —

Literary Hub, 25 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for artificial

Recent Examples of Synonyms for artificial

Adjective

As his band’s popularity and star power rise, so does Lestat’s influence over vampires and humans alike, leaving others to contend with Lestat’s power in the face of the Great Conversion, an unnatural surge in the vampire population.

— Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 27 Mar. 2026
While some can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and concerns, many are created with specific consumers and their needs in mind.

— Lily Wohlner, Allure, 18 Mar. 2026