Definition of nonnaturalnext
as in synthetic
produced by humans rather than natural processes pure vanilla extract that was made without any nonnatural ingredients

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 nonnatural Much of synthetic biology involves genetic engineering to introduce networks of genes that give cells new functions, such as manufacturing enzymes to make a nonnatural molecule. Philip Ball, Scientific American, 18 Apr. 2023 The latter discipline has racked up impressive achievements in retooling cells for nonnatural tasks—for example, programming bacteria to glow in the presence of pollutants and other chemicals. Philip Ball, Scientific American, 18 Apr. 2023 The increase in mortality has been especially stark among working-age males, with increases in death rates from alcohol, violence, and other nonnatural causes. Nicholas Gordon, Fortune, 3 Apr. 2023 Only one nonnatural death of an inmate has ever been reported at the prison. Joseph Simonson, Washington Examiner, 21 Apr. 2021
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nonnatural
Adjective
  • At a September 9 meeting, the board approved further reducing synthetic pesticide use across their landscapes and expanded the areas maintained without routine synthetic pesticides.
    Julia Vargas Jones, CNN Money, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Detox Denim eliminates synthetic pesticides and harsh chemicals and prioritizes materials and designs engineered for longevity.
    Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Several artificial-intelligence stocks meanwhile held steadier following their worldwide slide the day before, after leaders of the AI industry called for a slowdown in development to address safety issues for humanity.
    Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Conrad and Gordon performed eight different science experiments, but perhaps one of their most striking feats was the artificial gravity demonstration.
    Tariq Malik, Space.com, 14 Sep. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nonnatural.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nonnatural. Accessed 22 Sep. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster