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 This system simulates an eight-speed transmission, complete with artificial gear changes and accompanying sound effects. — New Atlas, 2 Nov. 2026 Think over-sized kitchens with dark cabinetry, granite countertops, artificial grapes and many, many rooster decorations. — Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 1 Nov. 2026 The resulting approach suggests that an artificial signal could be recognizable without being particularly complex or carrying a message that humans could decipher. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 1 Nov. 2026 Rabinowitch’s team inserted mouse synapse proteins into the worms, which created artificial connections that didn’t interfere with worms’ existing synapses. — Simon Makin, Scientific American, 29 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
  • While policymakers debate new privacy laws, doctors such as Julien Cavanagh say they are left to fix the mess that targeted online ads for fake cures create for patients’ health.
    — Washington Post, Washington Post, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Criminals can imitate those messages to create panic and lure people toward fake login pages.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of fake
Adjective
  • The illicit drug supply has changed rapidly over the last few months, with nitazenes, medetomidine, cychlorphine, and other novel synthetic substances appearing in rapid succession.
    — Dr. Shravani Durbhakula, Time, 1 Nov. 2026
  • Buyers across the organic supply chain are seeking reliable domestic sources of supply, while organic farming offers producers opportunities to reduce dependence on synthetic inputs, strengthen economic resilience and access higher-value markets.
    — Jeff Tkach, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of synthetic
Adjective
  • That decision left the financially strained athletic department staring at a buyout of roughly $50 million.
    — Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Nov. 2026
  • The relationship between LaLiga and Real Madrid is beyond strained—see Tebas’ Nazi comments as an example—but on this two agreed that everyone involved had to bend the knee.
    — Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of strained
Adjective
  • Even the smallest one is delightfully cozy, with a double bed and windows looking onto the street, perfect for a couple or solo traveler.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Like when Edmonds drew in a double team in the post and found a Robinson for an open 3-pointer that gave TCU a 10-5 lead early in the first.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of double
Adjective
  • But the real showstopper was the two-story replica of Barbie’s Dreamhouse, complete with a 2D faux pool, a DJ spinning tracks, and the trademark spiral slide.
    — Serena Turner, Vanity Fair, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Releases have experimented with a range of materials and patterns including a standard mesh and synthetic combo, faux-crocodile skin and cow-print sued — and Comme des Garçons is now stepping in as the first collaborator to get a release.
    — Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of faux
Adjective
  • In it, Stanford University psychologist Philip Zimbardo had 24 male college students randomly assigned to play guards or inmates in a mock prison to see how power structures could affect the behavior of ordinary people.
    — Frank Landymore, Futurism, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Customs Air and Marine Operations agents also put on a show in Government Cut with a Blackhawk helicopter and two Customs boats chasing down agents in a mock smuggling vessel.
    — David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 29 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 5 Nov. 2026.

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