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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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When choosing soaps to deter deer, gardeners often have success with deodorant soaps that have an unnatural and strong scent, such as Irish Spring, Ivory, Coast, and Dial.—
SJ McShane,
Martha Stewart,
26 Apr. 2026
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Both look awkward and unnatural.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Prosecutors allege Burke later bought a shovel, chainsaws, a body bag, and a blue inflatable kiddie pool under a fake name online, and used the items to dismember Rivas in his garage.—
Nancy Dillon,
Rolling Stone,
1 May 2026
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Artificial Plants Designer Ashley Hauza says a fake ficus tree on a porch isn't going to fool anyone.—
Tessa Cooper,
The Spruce,
1 May 2026
Adjective
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From 1945 to 1971, pregnant mothers who wanted to prevent miscarriages were prescribed the synthetic estrogen diethylstilbestrol (DES).—
Shanti Escalante-De Mattei,
ARTnews.com,
27 Apr. 2026
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To address this, Cotton Incorporated collaborated with leading global researchers to quantify plastic leakage across both cotton and synthetic value chains, spanning fast fashion and more traditional apparel categories.—
Angela Velasquez,
Footwear News,
27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Redick has had to shuffle the roster pieces around since, using the final five games of the regular season to assess his rotation options without Doncic and Reaves, who also missed 19 straight games from Christmas until February with a strained calf.—
Benjamin Royer,
Oc Register,
30 Apr. 2026
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Earlier in the day, Charles delivered a rare address to a joint session of Congress, highlighting the second day of his four-day state visit and placing the spotlight on the strained but enduring relationship between his country and the United States.—
Kathryn Palmer,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Stephon Castle and Deni Avdija received double techs for this sequence at the end of Spurs-Blazers Game 4.—
The Athletic NBA Staff,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
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The first two Washington Nationals batters reached with a walk and a double in the third inning Saturday, giving the visitors runners on second and third with no outs.—
LaMond Pope,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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On Thursday, before the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, Kimmel poked fun at the event on his late night show, sharing faux remarks for his own dinner.—
McKinley Franklin,
HollywoodReporter,
29 Apr. 2026
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As for less-invasive bedroom ceiling upgrade options, Cunningham recommends faux beams, tongue-and-groove ceilings, limewash paint, or simple medallions around light fixtures.—
Kamron Sanders,
Better Homes & Gardens,
29 Apr. 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
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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
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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 4 May. 2026.
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