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 The gap in temperature can feel even more pronounced depending on whether the playing surface is grass or artificial turf. — Christopher Kamrani, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026 Playing on artificial turf can add more heat to the field, with turf’s surface temperature able to reach well over 130 degrees under hot, sunny conditions, Cox said. — Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 5 Sep. 2026 Like the focus on artificial dyes, however, many of the administration’s highest-profile health initiatives rely on voluntary agreements. — Stephanie Armour, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 2026 Satellite imagery of Williston Lake, an artificial reservoir and Canada’s largest body of freshwater, confirmed that the nearly two-and-a-half acre island was real. — Frank Landymore, Futurism, 2 Sep. 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
  • When my husband comes home and stands in front of the refrigerator stuffed with bags of mulberry leaves, his face takes on an unnatural look.
    — Jonathan Flint, Harpers Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Berry shunned the unnatural world whenever, and however possible.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of unnatural
Adjective
  • Once roles are introduced to the game, the players make a comedy meal out of loudly fake narrating what Sam is doing while they’re blindfolded.
    — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Those who speak a password, released via social media, receive a fake business card, which does mean many a guest is standing there shouting a password at the actor.
    — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of fake
Adjective
  • Recycled polyester remains a synthetic material and does not eliminate concerns surrounding microfiber shedding, recyclability or dependence on plastic feedstocks.
    — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 8 Sep. 2026
  • But even alkaline garden soil may become acidic over time as a result of environmental factors, such as acid rain, or the overuse of synthetic fertilizers and other soil amendments.
    — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of synthetic
Adjective
  • The second of four children, Cusk had a strained relationship with her parents.
    — René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Sep. 2026
  • His injuries also included a strained AC joint in his shoulder and abrasions on his face, the affidavit states.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of strained
Adjective
  • The black walnut double staircase in the center hall foyer has carved lions.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The formula includes lactic acid, a chemical exfoliator that breaks down dead skin, for a double dose of skin-smoothing power.
    — Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of double
Adjective
  • Throughout, the reader is bludgeoned with reminders of the war’s significance, and in the service of this aim Harding also offers a curious mixture of political awareness and faux naïveté.
    — Nick Holdstock, The Dial, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Think raised geometric shapes, faux brick panels, wood-look slats or stone wall panels.
    — Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of faux
Adjective
  • Look cute and stay comfy on long travel days with this matching set, which comes with a polished mock-neck short-sleeve top and wide-leg pants with a stretchy waistband.
    — Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2026
  • The outfit consisted of a sleeveless, mock-neck blouse in mocha-brown, tucked into a tawny suede skirt that hit just above her ankles.
    — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 30 Aug. 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 9 Sep. 2026.

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