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
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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
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Recent Examples of artificial
The Iran war and concerns about inflation, as well as fears over artificial-intelligence disruption, have weighed on investors.
—
Michelle Fox, CNBC, 1 May 2026
Crumb rubber cushioning used under artificial grass may leach hazardous chemicals.
—Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 30 Apr. 2026
The greenery doesn't need to be real either, Guest says, even artificial plants can do the trick.
—Kylie Petty, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Apr. 2026
Both sides applied pressure heavily, particularly the Wave, who forced the Thorns to move the ball quickly across Providence Park’s already-slick artificial surface.
—Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for artificial
Michelle Fox, CNBC, 1 May 2026
Crumb rubber cushioning used under artificial grass may leach hazardous chemicals.
—Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 30 Apr. 2026
The greenery doesn't need to be real either, Guest says, even artificial plants can do the trick.
—Kylie Petty, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Apr. 2026
Both sides applied pressure heavily, particularly the Wave, who forced the Thorns to move the ball quickly across Providence Park’s already-slick artificial surface.
—Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for artificial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for artificial
Adjective
-
With the house emptied of living (and costumed) guests, its furnishings, in all their liveliness, appear only to mask an unnatural torpor.—
Olivia Kan-Sperling,
Artforum,
2 May 2026
-
The time was unnatural, sometime after midnight.—
Megan Feringa,
New York Times,
1 May 2026
Adjective
-
Ferro was arrested in May 2025 and found in possession of two firearms and a fake ID.—
Marc Ramirez,
USA Today,
8 May 2026
-
One tweet features an AI cover of a fake Slayr album called BURGERMAN that imagines him as a half-burger, half-human hybrid engulfed in a hellish flood of grease and cheese splatter.—
Kieran Press-Reynolds,
Pitchfork,
8 May 2026
Adjective
-
Cole’s canvases were synthetic constructions teeming with homilies.—
Sebastian Smee,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
-
This organic approach supports healthier harvests while reducing reliance on synthetic pest control methods.—
Barbara Gillette,
The Spruce,
3 May 2026
Adjective
-
The 29-year-old, who lives in Texas, sustained a concussion and strained muscles in her ankle and neck.—
Mara H. Gottfried,
Twin Cities,
8 May 2026
-
While the Chinese model reduces upfront budget pressures on fiscally-strained African states, governments across the continent will now rely heavily on a small number of firms for hardware maintenance, modernization, and training.—
Alexis Akwagyiram,
semafor.com,
7 May 2026
Adjective
-
Player of the Week Senior pitcher Jaelynn Anthony goes 4-for-5 for Oswego with three homers, a double and seven RBIs in 14-6 win over Minooka.—
Rick Armstrong,
Chicago Tribune,
4 May 2026
-
Orangewood Christian swept Deltona Trinity Christian as Tre Roach went 2-for-3 with a double, 2 runs and an RBI for the Rams (23-3), Sam Lambert had 2 hits and 2 RBI, and Addison Lambert added 2 hits, a run and an RBI.—
Chris Hays,
The Orlando Sentinel,
3 May 2026
Adjective
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The former Sidos space has been transformed into a restaurant with neon signs, faux greenery, tapestries depicting temples and spiral light fixtures.—
Jenna Thompson,
Kansas City Star,
5 May 2026
-
The production is staged in the faux Pantages Theater in the Hollywood section of the theme park, near Mel’s Drive-In restaurant.—
Dewayne Bevil,
The Orlando Sentinel,
5 May 2026
Adjective
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Analysts published mock drafts with the Panthers taking Jordyn Tyson and Omar Cooper Jr.—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
28 Apr. 2026
-
The segment was the comedian's mock alternative speech to the White House Correspondents' dinner, which aired two days before the real event the Trumps attended together ended in gunfire.—
Mandalit del Barco,
NPR,
27 Apr. 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 10 May. 2026.
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