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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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

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 The ship will be joining the hundreds of other artificial reefs in the northern waters of the Gulf, including former ships and concrete structures, said county spokesman Nick Tomecek. — Todd C. Frankel, Washington Post, 8 Nov. 2026 This month, a series of explosions will blow holes in the former SS United States, sinking it some 25 miles off the Florida panhandle to become the world’s largest artificial reef. — Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 8 Nov. 2026 The sports drink brand is also phasing out artificial colors and promoting lower-sugar versions. — Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 8 Nov. 2026 Atkins also described having a metal plate and artificial disc in his back, along with three previous knee operations. — Danielle Minnetian, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 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
  • Taking a page out of Better Call Saul‘s playbook, NBC is launching a fake billboard-style ad for Jim Rockford, complete with a hotline number, just like the AMC drama did with attorney Saul Goodman.
    — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Stone was dressed as an aesthetically conscious conservative housewife with a crisp button-down shirt, A-line skirt, peroxide blowout and fake facelift sutures.
    — Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of fake
Adjective
  • Conventional high-pressure, high-temperature methods can produce synthetic diamonds, but scaling them to semiconductor-sized single crystals presents substantial engineering challenges.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2026
  • This is particularly challenging during digital account opening, when a synthetic identity may appear to be a legitimate applicant with a thin credit history.
    — Jess Turner, Forbes.com, 6 Nov. 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
  • Robinson scored a career-high 27 points to lead the Horned Frogs (3-0) to a 100-92 double overtime victory against the Warhawks (1-3).
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Nov. 2026
  • An investigation is underway after a woman was killed and a man was hurt in a double shooting Tuesday on Detroit's east side.
    — Julia Avant, CBS News, 11 Nov. 2026
Definition of double
Adjective
  • Make your day a little easier and grab these faux florals days or weeks in advance without worrying about wilting.
    — Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 8 Nov. 2026
  • There's even steps set up like a faux funicular that lead to a mezzanine games room and slide.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of faux
Adjective
  • In convict poker, a raging bull is loosed on a mock card game, and the last man still seated wins a prize.
    — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 7 Nov. 2026
  • From doctors prescribing travel to Sweden as a medical treatment to Oslo's viral mock-documentary narrated by a jaded local called Halfdan.
    — Lola Akinmade, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Nov. 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 11 Nov. 2026.

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