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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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 Kristen Mazzarella, the executive director of Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring, told the outlet that artificial lighting from nearby businesses and residences is likely to blame for the mass death. — Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 17 Aug. 2026 Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots, was forced to roll out a second artificial surface after the World Cup because its first attempt didn’t pass an independent lab test as required by the NFL and NFLPA. — Tim Graham, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026 Czinger employs proprietary artificial-intelligence applications along with next-gen construction methods based on additive manufacturing (think 3-D printing) and robotics—a system capable of remapping the industrial landscape across categories. — Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 15 Aug. 2026 Hospitals that have addressed this artificial variability provide an important lesson. — Eugene Litvak, Fortune, 15 Aug. 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 channels are created with unsuitable blades, angles, or placement, transplanted hair may grow in an unnatural direction or produce an overly uniform appearance.
    — Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 10 Aug. 2026
  • But the internet is fake, and people communicate to one another there in a way that is wholly unnatural.
    — Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of unnatural
Adjective
  • The company behind a poll that Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass touted as showing her with a double-digit lead in the mayoral race said the survey was entirely fake and part of a social experiment.
    — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 18 Aug. 2026
  • There’s much more for fans of special effects to discover, from the practical snow used whenever feasible to the geysers of fake blood used to comedic effect.
    — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of fake
Adjective
  • The modular design addresses a limitation in conventional synthetic biology.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 18 Aug. 2026
  • If your product generates synthetic text, images, audio or video that reaches the EU, that content has to be marked in a machine-readable format, with a short grace window to December 2, 2026 for systems already on the market.
    — Kuan Archer, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of synthetic
Adjective
  • As her condition advances, the story folds in her strained bonds with her daughter, played by Wen Qi, and her father, played by Fifth Generation filmmaker Tian Zhuangzhuang.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Meanwhile, strained yogurt remained mainly a homemade food in immigrant households until 1998, when FAGE began selling strained yogurt imported from Greece.
    — Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of strained
Adjective
  • According to folklore, Friday plus 13 equals a double dose of bad luck.
    — Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The 5th District saw more than double the amount of votes cast in its Congressional primary than in the 4th, and the gap in support between candidates was much more decisive.
    — Angela Eichhorst, Hartford Courant, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of double
Adjective
  • The titular protagonist of Isador Machete Cortez enjoys a bizarre history, originating in the first Spy Kids movie before taking center stage in a faux trailer created for Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino’s exploitation throwback, Grindhouse.
    — Josh Weiss, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
  • The chrome finish and low-profile faux leather seat lend a contemporary look to any kitchen.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of faux
Adjective
  • Featuring a slimming silhouette, this mock-neck sweater is polished enough for the office but can pull double duty as casual wear on the weekends.
    — Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Participants will tour city buildings, engage in mock activities and meet directly with department leaders from City Hall, Finance, Police, Fire and Public Works, the release said.
    — Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 16 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 19 Aug. 2026.

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