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 While the nature of the change remains uncertain, Cole and her colleagues have little doubt about its root cause. Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 31 Aug. 2026 One of the joys of science is discovering that nature often challenges our intuition. K. R. Prathyusha, The Conversation, 31 Aug. 2026 The steep, rocky nature of the canyon itself funnels water rapidly. Jamie Stengle, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026 The true figure could be even higher, says Adams, because of some limitations in the data and the conservative nature of our analysis. Alejandra Borunda, NPR, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for nature
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nature
Noun
  • Her words, actions, and example gave people permission to be their truest selves.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026
  • With no signs of cancerous growth or the grafts migrating, the process appears relatively safe, opening the way for further research into self-transplants made of mature muscle cells as a means of treating numerous conditions.
    Mike McRae September 02, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Troy has barely snapped a pic before he is forced to parachute into the Siberian wilderness.
    Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Beyond the bad memories, Corle finds solace in the wilderness.
    Jan Thacker, Outdoor Life, 3 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The ruling, the first of its kind under Hong Kong’s Societies Ordinance, has raised alarms over freedom of association as authorities continue tightening controls after the 2019 democracy protests.
    Kanis Leung, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The ground application was the first of its kind in Texas firefighting history, officials said.
    Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The disposition lens asks what changed because of the first three lenses.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Earlier this year, Harrison Street sold a 12-property student housing portfolio for $910 million, one of the largest dispositions in the sector in recent years.
    Diana Olick, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • To experience a thicker, chewier noodle, order the tsukemen (dipping-style ramen) with a broth, as dense as gravy, fusing the essences of pork, chicken and fish.
    Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Ahead, scroll on to find five cozy colors that the nail pros say perfectly capture the essence of fall.
    Jennifer Hussein, InStyle, 28 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • This is how her Gemini Venus makes all of her multidisciplinary artistic practices coalesce into one cohesive universe.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • But this doesn't seem to be the case with the supermassive black holes in the early universe seen by the JWST.
    Robert Lea, Space.com, 2 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • As a talk-show host and media personality, her sometimes petulant, relentlessly flirtatious energy was a thrilling throwback to the likes of Rosie O’Donnell or Alan Carr’s chat shows.
    Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2026
  • One aspect of Eloise’s personality that her parents and brother treasure the most is her connection with animals, from family pets to the deer and horses roaming on the ranch.
    Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 3 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Sorry to sit on the fence but both of them… There was little to like about a stale, out-of-sorts Manchester United facing a side with not a single fearsome attacker.
    Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026
  • No matter your hurry, overloading your washing machine will produce a headache of a different sort (and might even cost you more money).
    Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 21 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Nature.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nature. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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