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

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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 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
  • Researchers at the Advanced Science Research Center at the CUNY Graduate Center (CUNY ASRC) have discovered that passing waves through a special class of synthetic media forces them to abandon chaotic scattering entirely.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 28 Sep. 2026
  • This helps keep your garden soil and plants free of synthetic chemicals and plastics.
    — SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 27 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Energy companies might save substantial capital by tapping naturally occurring subterranean structures rather than excavating artificial caverns or modifying depleted reservoirs.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Nvidia has the power to do so after the frenzy around its chips used for artificial-intelligence technology helped it more than double the amount of cash on its books in the first half of its fiscal year.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 28 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Nonnatural.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nonnatural. Accessed 1 Oct. 2026.

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