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
Friction creates small fiber balls on the surface, particularly on lower-quality synthetic bouclé. — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 21 July 2026 But that means that 14 other NFL stadiums, housing 16 home teams, will continue use synthetic turf. — Armando Salguero Outkick, FOXNews.com, 20 July 2026
Noun
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 These days, many engines require a synthetic or at least partially synthetic (blended) motor oil. — Byron Hurd, The Drive, 15 May 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
  • 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
Definition of artificial
Adjective
  • The earrings create a faux huggie effect by rounding and curving upward at the bottom.
    — Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 20 July 2026
  • Below it, there’s a wide concave base with a drainage hole that’s ideal for faux flowers, real flowers, or decorative rocks.
    — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 July 2026
Definition of faux
Noun
  • Their simulations focused on where the protective layer intersects the electrolyte, the lithium metal anode, and the cathode materials.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 17 July 2026
  • Our simulation experiment started tremendously as the virtual Huskies, led by 75 overall quarterback Jake Merklinger, the Tennessee transfer, finished 10-3 and beat UTEP in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl.
    — Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 17 July 2026
Definition of simulation
Adjective
  • Under simulated flight conditions, salt was perceived as 20 to 30 percent less intense.
    — Noel Burgess, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
  • This step marks a significant milestone in autonomous electronic warfare following a simulated test in February 2026.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 19 July 2026
Definition of simulated
Adjective
  • Multiple schools are at the center of incidents in which teens are facing legal consequences for generating fake explicit images of their classmates.
    — Avni Trivedi, CNN Money, 21 July 2026
  • Gen Alphas seem to know almost immediately when something is fake, overproduced, delayed or culturally disconnected, which is why the strongest content right now often feels chaotic.
    — Kelly Samuel, Forbes.com, 21 July 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
  • Earlier in July, a senior security source in Tehran told CNN that the claims of nuclear activities taking place at Pickaxe Mountain were false.
    — Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 22 July 2026
  • Two Charlotte brokers are facing accusations of filing false life insurance applications for profit, according to North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey.
    — Mark Price July 22, Charlotte Observer, 22 July 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 24 Jul. 2026.

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