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
  • Friction also causes pilling, particularly on lower-quality synthetic bouclé, leaving small fiber balls on the surface.
    Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026
  • Each pair features the same 2000s-era mesh base and synthetic overlays seen on previous colorways, but the true highlight of the reintroduced Adrenaline GTS 10 lies within.
    Riley Jones, Footwear News, 21 July 2026
Adjective
  • With the help of his students, Wangchuk froze stream water into conical artificial glaciers—or ice stupas—to store water during the winter and release it throughout the drier spring and summer.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 21 July 2026
  • Because unreliable weather patterns can make natural snow scarce, the resort relies on artificial snow to make skiing possible all winter long.
    ABC News, ABC News, 21 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nonnatural.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nonnatural. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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