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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in nonnatural
produced by humans rather than natural processes
I find that artificial sweeteners often have an odd aftertaste
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of artificial
Make your home look more inviting with the help of realistic-looking artificial flowers.
—
Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 June 2026
Over the past decade, Beijing transformed several reefs and outcroppings in the Spratly Islands into fortified artificial islands equipped with airfields, deep-water ports, radar systems and missile sites.
—James Laporta, CBS News, 11 June 2026
Moreover, Christian humanists believe the sacred-secular divide that many Christians embrace is not just artificial but profoundly misguided.
—Peter Wehner, The Atlantic, 10 June 2026
The encyclical’s strongest warning is that lethal and irreversible decisions must never be entrusted to artificial systems.
—Vilas Dhar, Time, 10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for artificial
Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 June 2026
Over the past decade, Beijing transformed several reefs and outcroppings in the Spratly Islands into fortified artificial islands equipped with airfields, deep-water ports, radar systems and missile sites.
—James Laporta, CBS News, 11 June 2026
Moreover, Christian humanists believe the sacred-secular divide that many Christians embrace is not just artificial but profoundly misguided.
—Peter Wehner, The Atlantic, 10 June 2026
The encyclical’s strongest warning is that lethal and irreversible decisions must never be entrusted to artificial systems.
—Vilas Dhar, Time, 10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for artificial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for artificial
Adjective
-
According to Paul Penrose, a detective sergeant assigned to the case, Nickell’s body was found on its back, in an unnatural position.—
CT Jones,
Rolling Stone,
6 June 2026
-
The robots that looked highly realistic but fell short, leaving an unnatural sensation that they could not be trusted.—
Praful Saklani,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
Adjective
-
Despite the highs, however, there were some low moments in the week — including a near run-in with Scooter Braun and an insult from a radio analyst who deemed Swift a fake Knicks fan.—
Leigh Blickley,
Entertainment Weekly,
12 June 2026
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To make matters worse, cybercriminals are using fake FIFA sites, bogus ticket offers and phony job ads to scam viewers.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
12 June 2026
Adjective
-
The system has been trained on a large database of more than 5,000 laser designs collected from Jeanologia’s archive, together with synthetic datasets generated with the firm’s design software, eDesigner.—
Angela Velasquez,
Footwear News,
8 June 2026
-
The company is developing synthetic hard-carbon materials derived from resin and coal, aiming to lower costs and strengthen domestic supply chains.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
8 June 2026
Adjective
-
Jay has just one hour of oxygen left to forge an escape, applying the knowledge and skill set his late father passed on to him, while also reconciling their strained relationship in the process.—
Brian Davids,
HollywoodReporter,
11 June 2026
-
The council listened, with strained faces and large eyes.—
Tanya Babbar,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
10 June 2026
Adjective
-
Frenetic winds robbed Wilyer Abreu of a go-ahead two-run homer in the sixth, but Willson Contreras’ subsequent line drive made contact with the left-field wall for a game-tying RBI double and knocked Schlittler out of the game.—
Gabrielle Starr,
Boston Herald,
7 June 2026
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On Friday, tech stocks led a market bloodbath after the Labor Department’s monthly jobs report showed employers added a net 172,000 jobs last month, nearly double Wall Street forecasts.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
7 June 2026
Adjective
-
The geometric prints add detail without being overwhelming, and faux buttons top it off.—
Shea Simmons,
PEOPLE,
9 June 2026
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The shoes are also made from faux ostrich leather and feature a micro-squared open toe and a comfortable thong toe strap.—
Karla Rodriguez,
Footwear News,
9 June 2026
Adjective
-
His mock draft range has been all over the place, from the lottery to Denver’s territory.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
9 June 2026
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Look for mock-meat dishes built around tofu and seitan — including bánh mì chay made with tofu — along with fresh spring rolls and phở chay, typically made with mushrooms in place of beef or chicken.—
Lauren Schuster,
Kansas City Star,
8 June 2026
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
Cite this Entry
“Artificial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/artificial. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.
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