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
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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
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Recent Examples of artificial
The skating ribbon at Maggie Daley Park in Chicago is an artificial trail that snakes a quarter-mile around towering climbing walls, with glittering skyscrapers for a backdrop.
—
Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 9 Jan. 2026
Big Tech companies have been signing a string of such deals to electrify the data centers powering their moves into artificial-intelligence technology.
—Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2026
With help from artificial snowmaking and a foot (30 centimeters) of recent snowfall, more lifts and runs will open starting this weekend, resort officials said in a statement.
—Mead Gruver, Fortune, 9 Jan. 2026
Even artificial wood grain found on PVC or composite deck boards can be damaged.
—Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for artificial
Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 9 Jan. 2026
Big Tech companies have been signing a string of such deals to electrify the data centers powering their moves into artificial-intelligence technology.
—Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2026
With help from artificial snowmaking and a foot (30 centimeters) of recent snowfall, more lifts and runs will open starting this weekend, resort officials said in a statement.
—Mead Gruver, Fortune, 9 Jan. 2026
Even artificial wood grain found on PVC or composite deck boards can be damaged.
—Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for artificial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for artificial
Adjective
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While there are certainly products that can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and needs, hair products are often created with specific consumers in mind.—
Jailynn Taylor,
Allure,
31 Dec. 2025
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The handsome pair of actors play sniper specialists from enemy countries who must each take a long shift on opposite sides of a massive trench where some unnatural monsters apparently lurk below.—
Jeff Spry,
Space.com,
27 Dec. 2025
Adjective
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The board cited recent state and federal decisions, which have both noted the issue of AI programs citing fake legal citations is growing.—
William Melhado,
Sacbee.com,
13 Jan. 2026
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Howze, who has schizophrenia, was also able to escape the hospital following the incident, only to be return a few days later wearing a visitor’s pass with a fake name.—
Colleen Cronin,
Boston Herald,
12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The women's beanie is highly functional, too, thanks to a blend of wool and synthetic materials that’ll take the chill out of biting days and perfectly stretch to fit your head.—
Alison Syrett Cleary,
InStyle,
9 Jan. 2026
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One of the things that Patrick did to hint at the ending was creating this beautiful piece of music, while the girl is crying pearls, which was designed to be synthetic keyboard music.—
Destiny Jackson,
Deadline,
9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Paramount’s most valuable creative asset, Taylor Sheridan, quickly announced his exit after the Skydance merger was complete, citing strained relationships with the new leadership, a desire for more creative control, and disputes over projects.—
Jeffrey Sonnenfeld,
Fortune,
12 Jan. 2026
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Roasted beets pair with fresh herbs, fennel, spiced pepitas, and a swoop of strained yogurt.—
Ginger Crichton,
Midwest Living,
12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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These ones elevate the trend — pun intended — with comfortable platform soles and double side stripe appliqués.—
Jamie Allison Sanders,
PEOPLE,
11 Jan. 2026
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McDonald's has made the Big Arch — a massive double-patty burger — a permanent menu item in the United Kingdom and Ireland.—
Deirdre Bardolf,
FOXNews.com,
10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Other details that make a room look smaller include faux beams and coffered ceilings.—
Timothy Dale,
The Spruce,
15 Jan. 2026
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Fahsyee Faux Leather Skirt A pencil skirt exudes instant polish, but for a look that feels more evening-ready, go shorter with a style like this faux leather version from Fahsyee.—
Lane Nieset,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The semi-annual sale includes so many elegant staples, such as mock-neck cardigans, jackets with unique embellishments, and comfortable pants that look super polished — all starting at just $20.—
Rachel Trujillo,
PEOPLE,
9 Jan. 2026
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She’s arrived early for her first shift and has already started the residents and med students on some training by way of mock codes.—
Maggie Fremont,
Vulture,
9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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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
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The pop of color offers a shimmer-free (rare!) means of warming up a wedding look and works equally well at lip level.—
Calin Van Paris,
Vogue,
12 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Artificial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/artificial. Accessed 18 Jan. 2026.
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