Synonyms of synthetic

synthetic 1 of 2

adjective

sin-ˈthe-tik 

1

as in artificial

produced by humans rather than natural processes

that organic farm doesn't use any pesticides or synthetic fertilizers

Synonyms & Similar Words

• artificial
• nonnatural
• man-made
• manufactured
• processed
• refined
• industrial
• mechanical
• fabricated
• imitation
• cultivated
• faux
• ersatz

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• natural
• raw
• crude

2

as in faux

being such in appearance only and made with or manufactured from usually cheaper materials

synthetic fur collars

boots of waterproof synthetic leather

Synonyms & Similar Words

• artificial
• faux
• simulated
• fake
• imitation
• dummy
• false
• imitative
• manufactured
• mock
• ersatz
• substitute
• mimic
• designer
• counterfeit
• bogus
• factitious
• man-made
• sham
• pretend
• process
• deceptive
• engineered
• cultured
• manipulated
• fabricated
• forged
• pseudo
• unauthentic
• adulterated
• misleading
• concocted
• fraudulent
• doctored
• phony
• spurious
• fudged
• feigned
• affected
• tampered (with)
• juggled
• pinchbeck
• brummagem

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• natural
• real
• genuine
• true
• legitimate
• authentic
• bona fide
• valuable
• quality
• pure
• premium
• unadulterated

synthetic

2 of 2

noun

as in simulation

Related Words

• simulation
• swindle
• spoof
• shoddy
• reproduction
• fraud
• imposture
• bastard
• copy
• gaff
• knockoff
• brummagem
• duffer
• replica
• counterfeit
• facsimile
• dummy
• fake
• mock-up
• copycat
• forgery
• hoax
• phony
• sham
• humbug

Dissimilar Words

• original

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of synthetic

Adjective

Jäger compares the sounds of techno to the noise of Detroit’s industrial machinery—the music that drove the ersatz utopias of the late twentieth century is, in other words, merely a synthetic echo of a far more vital past. — Robert Rubsam, New Yorker, 2 Sep. 2026

Without a constant flow of fresh human insight, synthetic models risk becoming increasingly sophisticated at reproducing what is already known. — Abigail Stuart, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026

Noun

As a foundational capability for biological risk management, the United States needs a nationwide monitoring system that can provide early warning of emerging pathogens, whether naturally occurring or synthetic. — Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026

Ippolito’s tip is to go with high quality synthetic fibers and wool-synthetic fiber blends. — Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 July 2026