ersatz

adjective

ˈer-ˌsäts How to pronounce ersatz (audio)
Definition of ersatznext
as in faux
being such in appearance only and made with or manufactured from usually cheaper materials like everything else the restaurant served, the whipped cream on the dessert was ersatz

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 ersatz The finished product was a combination of Gyllenhaal’s and Sher’s ideas and the ways the performers would make the ersatz world of the film feel real. — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 13 Mar. 2026 At Disney, the ersatz world is the commodity that people are buying. — Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 23 Feb. 2026 This inexpensive ersatz version of pizza, which many in postwar Japan couldn’t afford, became a widespread snack sensation. — Los Angeles Times, 8 Feb. 2026 In a world of deepfakes, ersatz eye contact is small beer. — Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 30 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ersatz
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ersatz
  1. faux
  2. synthetic
  3. fake
  4. artificial
  5. simulated
Adjective
  • In others, background actors adjust their chain mail and faux furs and clutch prop weapons, some of which are designed to explode and splatter blood on impact.
    — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 13 July 2026
  • Outdated trends like faux barnwood and glossy finishes are being replaced by authentic, low-maintenance materials.
    — Nomita Vaish-Taylor, The Spruce, 13 July 2026
Definition of faux
Adjective
  • The reactors convert hydrocarbon feedstocks into the company’s synthetic Fractal Graphene products through a continuous manufacturing process.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 14 July 2026
  • Because SpudCells’ genome is split across several separate pieces of DNA rather than a single molecule, as in a real cell, some of the synthetic cells fail to inherit a complete set of genes.
    — Lori Youmshajekian, Scientific American, 14 July 2026
Definition of synthetic
Adjective
  • Ify’s box contains a fake $100 bill, but Catherine decides to keep her box.
    — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 14 July 2026
  • Judges around the country have seen a rise in threats of violence and intimidation, including a fake swatting call to police about Barrett’s home in May.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 July 2026
Definition of fake
Adjective
  • Controversial space mirror satellite Not everyone is looking forward to artificial daylight.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 14 July 2026
  • Players had the run of the place on real grass, not the artificial turf in place for NFL games.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026
Definition of artificial
Adjective
  • After receiving the drone’s information, the fighter successfully completed a simulated engagement against the radar site.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 13 July 2026
  • Blake Snell — who also had loose bodies removed from his pitching elbow, undergoing a NanoNeedle Scope procedure on May 19 — threw two simulated innings to batters Saturday.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2026
Definition of simulated

Browse Nearby Words

errs
ersatz
erstwhile
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Cite this Entry

“Ersatz.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ersatz. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of ersatz for Spanish Speakers

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