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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of artificial
Fried tortilla chips can be high in fat and salt and may contain additional additives like MSG, artificial flavors, or dyes.
—
Christopher Bergland, Verywell Health, 4 Sep. 2025
Historically, Tensor processors have not performed well on these artificial tests.
—PC Magazine, 4 Sep. 2025
The project cites the Suez Canal, an artificial canal built to connect the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, as a major contributor to invasive species around Malta.
—Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2025
People who consumed the highest levels of certain artificial sweeteners — equivalent to just one diet soda a day — saw a significant decline in their ability to remember and recall words when compared to people who consumed the lowest levels, a new study found.
—Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for artificial
Christopher Bergland, Verywell Health, 4 Sep. 2025
Historically, Tensor processors have not performed well on these artificial tests.
—PC Magazine, 4 Sep. 2025
The project cites the Suez Canal, an artificial canal built to connect the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, as a major contributor to invasive species around Malta.
—Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2025
People who consumed the highest levels of certain artificial sweeteners — equivalent to just one diet soda a day — saw a significant decline in their ability to remember and recall words when compared to people who consumed the lowest levels, a new study found.
—Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for artificial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for artificial
Adjective
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Stories abound in folklore of the unnatural taking the place of the natural.—
Adam Verner
September 3,
Literary Hub,
3 Sep. 2025
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Changing these molecules would create an unnatural mirror image of a cell, as different as your right hand from your left.—
N'dea Yancey-Bragg,
USA Today,
1 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Made of durable silk, this fluffy 26-inch wreath can be used all-year long, and can even be decorated to your liking with tinsel or fake flowers.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
1 Sep. 2025
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Here’s another Rolex that may or may not be fake!—
Jessica Kiang,
Variety,
31 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The drugs included protonitazene and metonitazene, two synthetic opioids with respective potencies of 100 and 200 times more powerful than morphine, court documents say.—
David Ferrara,
The Enquirer,
4 Sep. 2025
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By transforming ethanol into synthetic oils that can serve as HEFA feedstocks, the company’s technology could diversify and strengthen SAF production.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Associated Press What To Know Maduro's comments come after decades of strained relations between the two countries, with Washington refusing to recognize his presidency since 2019 in favor of the opposition leader Juan Guaidó.—
Suzanne Blake
John Feng
Gabe Whisnant,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Sep. 2025
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There is nothing funny about the film’s jokey title, which is just a strained metaphor.—
Caryn James,
HollywoodReporter,
31 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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With Ella Toone or Park in the No 10 role, the former Bayern Munich player will add balance in a double pivot alongside Hinata Miyazawa allowing United more control in midfield.—
Charlotte Harpur,
New York Times,
6 Sep. 2025
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The Royals’ defense erased a potential rally in the fourth inning after Cameron surrendered a double to Rengifo and walked first baseman Oswald Peraza.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Subtle bits of faux wheat give it additional texture, and there’s an attached loop in the back for easy hanging.—
Shea Simmons,
Southern Living,
5 Sep. 2025
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Pair the duo with fairy lights, a thin linen runner, and more faux foliage to create a stunning seasonal scene.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The conversations, of course, were mock for journalistic purposes.—
Alyssa Goldberg,
USA Today,
4 Sep. 2025
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The piping adds an athletic flair to the mock-neck sweater and sweatpant set, and small slits on the front of the hems add extra interest.—
Olivia Young,
Travel + Leisure,
1 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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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
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By After Testing Over 30 Best Sellers By Siena Gagliano Unlike balms, which can make lip color slide around, a primer locks it in while keeping lips soft and comfortable.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
2 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Artificial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/artificial. Accessed 7 Sep. 2025.
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