Definition of naturenext
1
as in self
the set of qualities that makes a person, a group of people, or a thing different from others it was the grotesque nature of his stories that made them a challenge to get published in mainstream magazines her nature was such that lying was never an option for her the stoic nature of that family enables them to endure one calamity after another

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in wilderness
that part of the physical world that is removed from human habitation needed to get out of the office and back to nature in order to clear his head

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
as in kind
a number of persons or things that are grouped together because they have something in common group together anything round: buttons, lids, coins, and other things of that nature

Synonyms & Similar Words

4
5
6
as in universe
the whole body of things observed or assumed the belief that all of nature is controlled by an unseen Supreme Being

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word nature distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of nature are character, description, kind, sort, and type. While all these words mean "a number of individuals thought of as a group because of a common quality or qualities," nature may imply inherent, essential resemblance rather than obvious or superficial likenesses.

two problems of a similar nature

Where would character be a reasonable alternative to nature?

Although the words character and nature have much in common, character implies a group marked by distinctive likenesses peculiar to the type.

research on the subject so far has been of an elementary character

When is it sensible to use description instead of nature?

The synonyms description and nature are sometimes interchangeable, but description implies a group marked by agreement in all details belonging to a type as described or defined.

not all acts of that description are actually illegal

When can kind be used instead of nature?

In some situations, the words kind and nature are roughly equivalent. However, kind may suggest natural grouping.

a zoo seemingly having animals of every kind

When would sort be a good substitute for nature?

While the synonyms sort and nature are close in meaning, sort often suggests some disparagement.

the sort of newspaper dealing in sensational stories

In what contexts can type take the place of nature?

The words type and nature are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, type may suggest strong and clearly marked similarity throughout the items included so that each is typical of the group.

one of three basic body types

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 nature This led to many exasperating discussions of the nature/nurture theories of my education. Gilda Dangot-Simpkin, Sun Sentinel, 29 Apr. 2026 Kubusheski, the First Academy teacher, said the data brings out her competitive nature but also highlights what’s important in her classroom. Michael Cuglietta, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Apr. 2026 Designated as its own Historic Landmark District, architectural heritage is as alive here as nature. Zoe Baillargeon, Travel + Leisure, 29 Apr. 2026 But this unassuming nature is why people root for him. Hannah Jocelyn, Pitchfork, 29 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for nature
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nature
Noun
  • And what could be more defensive and self-aggrandizing than choosing a weaker person to pick on, to transfer all of one’s anxieties to, and then to harm for daring to comply?
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Apr. 2026
  • It’s taken me years to be able to overcome that psychology of self-loathing and victimhood.
    Cressida Leyshon, New Yorker, 26 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • From tracking down a missing student in the wilderness of British Columbia to extracting a murder confession from a surfer in Tofino, Shade and Angie prove life on the West Coast is packed with heart-pounding thrills.
    Peter White, Deadline, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Held from July 23-26 on the Blackfeet Reservation and boasting a lineup including Neurosis, 16 Horsepower, and Enslaved, the intent behind Fire in the Mountains is something deeper and more noble than inviting a flock of metalheads to the pristine Montana wilderness.
    David Harris, SPIN, 27 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The first-of-its-kind arrangement marks a tectonic shift for Florida’s largest school district, where charter schools have operated in their own facilities rather than district property.
    Garrett Shanley, Sun Sentinel, 24 Apr. 2026
  • The shop leans into dense, old-school ice cream — the kind that comes out of the freezer firm and packed with flavor.
    Tristan Graziano, Charlotte Observer, 24 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Burke has rare size at nearly 6-foot-9, and a nasty disposition to match.
    Luca Evans, Denver Post, 24 Apr. 2026
  • The survey presented over 1,500 American adults in a nationally representative sample with the definitions of six legal methods of disposition in a random order.
    Tanya D. Marsh, The Conversation, 24 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • That is at the essence of why the Timberwolves are on the verge of knocking the Nuggets in the first round for the first time since 2022.
    Troy Renck, Denver Post, 26 Apr. 2026
  • In essence, the aircraft gives the Chinese navy the capability to fight through defending space from a carrier.
    Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 25 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • One of those mystery flavors that exists outside the botanical universe.
    Alex Beggs, Bon Appetit Magazine, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Additionally, it was unveiled at LVL UP Expo that the first half of the fifteen-episode third season of Helluva Boss, another series in the Hellaverse universe, is expected to be released on Prime Video in fall 2026, with the second half dropping in 2027.
    Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 25 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Schneider gave a shout-out to his scouting staff for doing the work to uncover the type of personalities the Seahawks would be acquiring.
    Michael-Shawn Dugar, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
  • The 100-year-old house has been thoughtfully reworked with whimsical interiors that balance personality and polish alongside the comforts of a modern stay.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • On the heels of the Swalwell controversy, candidates’ temperament will be under the microscope, and Porter’s history of issues may loom large.
    Douglas Schoen, Oc Register, 17 Apr. 2026
  • The former three-star recruit has the production, movement skills and temperament to hear his name early.
    Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Nature.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nature. Accessed 30 Apr. 2026.

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