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
In the lead-up to the last presidential election, academics and tech observers were concerned about the increasing potency of deepfakes, believing that synthetic images and replications of political figures would sow chaos on and offline. — Max Tani, semafor.com, 3 Aug. 2026 The group recommends that unapproved synthetic peptide products, currently being obtained from mostly unregulated sources, undergo rigorous regulatory evaluations before licensing. — Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
Noun
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 Lab tests showed that the plants without the active inceptin receptor failed to emit this volatile blend when exposed to either the synthetic In11 peptide or actual caterpillar oral secretions. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 3 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
  • Some studies suggest artificial sweeteners may affect the brain in a way similar to sugar, which could make foods more appealing.
    — Lindsey DeSoto, HEALTH, 4 Aug. 2026
  • This aligns with decades of cognitive research that claims learning is more than simply receiving information—especially when that information feels artificial.
    — James Davis, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of artificial
Adjective
  • The faux suede boots, which are available in standard and wide calf widths, feature a pointed toe, block heels, and a slouchy design.
    — Isabel Bekele, InStyle, 5 Aug. 2026
  • The ballet became a hilarious parody of Wagnerian cliches as a cartwheeling child wearing sneakers with rainbow lights and dressed in gold, resembling statues of the composer, presided in front of a faux Bayreuth proscenium.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of faux
Noun
  • Everything the team knows about how fast the plasma is actually moving comes from the simulations rather than from the telescope, and the magnetic field driving the whole thing has never been measured directly at this scale.
    — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 7 Aug. 2026
  • For researchers, that could be more practical than waiting for quantum machines to handle entire scientific simulations.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of simulation
Adjective
  • At the end of this testing, the antenna had endured 200 simulated Mars landings and was still working just fine.
    — Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • An Arizona demonstration also showed that an artificial-intelligence data center could reduce consumption by 25 percent for three hours during a simulated peak event.
    — Monica Sanders, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of simulated
Adjective
  • Is this the same Panthea who hates anyone fake or putting things on?
    — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Alongside its launch, Onton released research revealing that current top AI models struggle to filter out fake content and biased reviews—proving that today’s systems simply aren’t built for modern, noisy web environments.
    — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of fake
Adjective
  • Zettle climbed out of her farm cart and unhooked the dummy bird from a branch.
    — Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 19 July 2026
  • The feature, introduced in 2021, allows iCloud+ subscribers to sign up for websites, apps, or newsletters using dummy email addresses generated by Apple.
    — Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 17 July 2026
Definition of dummy
Adjective
  • There are factors that could tilt in favor of Fauci’s strategy, including the fact that his pardon would not protect him from potential state prosecutions or from a federal prosecution related to any testimony that investigators deemed false.
    — Eric Tucker, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Yet, the suit added, county officials later acknowledged that was false; no one from DCFS saw Sophia in person after that September 2021 report.
    — Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 5 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

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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 11 Aug. 2026.

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