synthetic 1 of 2

adjective

sin-ˈthe-tik How to pronounce synthetic (audio)
Definition of syntheticnext
1
as in artificial
produced by humans rather than natural processes that organic farm doesn't use any pesticides or synthetic fertilizers

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

synthetic

2 of 2

noun

as in simulation

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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 synthetic
Adjective
Other sources include fibers shed when washing synthetic clothing, worn tire particles in storm runoff and spills of industrial plastic pellets known as nurdles. — Michael Hawthorne, Chicago Tribune, 23 Aug. 2026 Researchers combined computational modeling with precision synthetic chemistry to estimate how a molecule would behave before producing it. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 22 Aug. 2026
Noun
The Dallas Cowboys players, and coaches, all love the changes recently made to AT&T Stadium, and come August, the name will go back to its original, the grass will be replaced by a synthetic, and expect the tint in the windows to be removed, too. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 June 2026 Each parfum has a spectral musk accord that’s a combination of safe synthetic and naturally occurring musks that create unique sensations. — Celia Shatzman, Forbes.com, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for synthetic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for synthetic
  1. artificial
  2. faux
  3. simulation
  4. simulated
  5. fake
  6. dummy
  7. false
  8. imitative
Adjective
  • Like the focus on artificial dyes, however, many of the administration's highest-profile health initiatives rely on voluntary agreements.
    — Stephanie Armour, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Chelsea even created an artificial deadline for City to stump up £120m for Enzo Fernandez.
    — Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of artificial
Adjective
  • The silhouette currently retails for $1,650 and features faux distressing across the uppers and toe box, making these heels look lived-in.
    — Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Use double-sided tape to attach a faux fur circle to the lid, and embellish the rim with colored tape.
    — Jodi Levine, Parents, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of faux
Noun
  • That impression is likely based on the overall performance, not necessarily the opening drive, which was a closer simulation of a regular-season game.
    — Sam Warren, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
  • New Connected App-Simulator Experience Full Swing, the golf simulation and performance technology company recently bought by Versant, announced a major software update that connects the Full Swing App and the Simulator experience.
    — Sportico Staff, Sportico.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of simulation
Adjective
  • Furthermore, tests using simulated skin produced an even larger difference.
    — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 24 Aug. 2026
  • The five-day World Humanoid Robot Games, which began Saturday in Beijing, combine events modeled on human sports with those designed to test the robots in simulated factories, restaurants and ​offices and in emergency situations.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of simulated
Adjective
  • When the Followers began, healthcare on the Western frontier was primitive, unsanitary and riddled with con artists peddling fake cures.
    — Audrey Dutton, ProPublica, 25 Aug. 2026
  • One is the behavior Mythos engaged in, which included spinning up fake GitHub accounts, and, in at least one case, impersonating a real software developer, to try to convince Demir to drop his objections to the dangerous code.
    — Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of fake
Adjective
  • Even when a trial is available, a person may not meet its requirements, or they may be randomly assigned to receive a placebo (dummy drug).
    — Rob Williams, EverydayHealth.com, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Zettle climbed out of her farm cart and unhooked the dummy bird from a branch.
    — Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 19 July 2026
Definition of dummy
Adjective
  • But to build a web of accusations based on false premises and the manipulation of reality in order to attack the Biennale and a film invited to compete is a petty and unacceptable act.
    — John Bleasdale, Variety, 19 Aug. 2026
  • China’s aircraft engineers have warned that artificial intelligence could feed false data into military intelligence, potentially distorting the design and operation of advanced weapons.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of false
Adjective
  • The word is likely imitative (onomatopoeic), echoing the sound of heavy breathing during sleep.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2026
  • Since then, whenever new tools to crank out communications have become available, somebody has flooded the zone with the fastest, most imitative material that could garner attention.
    — Deni Ellis Béchard, Scientific American, 8 Nov. 2025
Definition of imitative

Browse Nearby Words

synthesizing
synthetic
synthetics
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Cite this Entry

“Synthetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/synthetic. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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