synthesizer
noun
syn·the·siz·er
ˈsin(t)-thə-ˌsī-zər 
1
: one that synthesizes
an expert synthesizer of diverse views
2
: a usually computerized electronic apparatus for the production and control of sound (as for producing music)
Examples of synthesizer in a Sentence
The band used a synthesizer for the drumbeat.
Recent Examples on the Web
Post — along with his longtime partner, arranger-composer Pete Carpenter — was the first to incorporate rock ‘n’ roll into television scores, updating the sound of TV with electric guitars, synthesizers and pop rhythm sections.
—
Jon Burlingame, Variety, 29 Mar. 2024
The synthesizer now resides in Cornell's Lincoln Hall for the Department of Music.
—Kevin Purdy, Ars Technica, 19 Dec. 2023
The 14-song album features work from Cobb (acoustic guitar, eclectic guitar), J.T. Cure (bass), Paul Franklin (pedal steel), Derek Mixon (drums), Morgane (background vocals, synthesizer, tambourine) and Lee Pardini (organ, piano).
—Rania Aniftos, Billboard, 14 Mar. 2024
That pizzicato hook — a blend of synthesizer and guitar — is undeniable.
—Ed Masley, The Arizona Republic, 10 Mar. 2024
To demonstrate those qualities, Le Caine created a synthesizer that mimicked, among other things, a brass horn known as the sackbut.
—IEEE Spectrum, 1 Feb. 2024
Violin, double bass, and a whole lot of synthesizers and guitar pedals and samplers and things which are great for mangling sounds.
—Lily Moayeri, SPIN, 15 Feb. 2024
Sitars made from golf clubs, pianos generating otherworldly tones from electromagnets, and infinitely customizable miniature synthesizers—all have taken home prizes at Georgia Tech’s Guthman Musical Instrument Competition.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 18 Jan. 2024
Most submissions involve some degree of electronics (see: Teenage Engineering’s OP-1 mini synthesizer) although many remain wholly acoustic creations.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 18 Jan. 2024
Jon Burlingame, Variety, 29 Mar. 2024
The synthesizer now resides in Cornell's Lincoln Hall for the Department of Music.
—Kevin Purdy, Ars Technica, 19 Dec. 2023
The 14-song album features work from Cobb (acoustic guitar, eclectic guitar), J.T. Cure (bass), Paul Franklin (pedal steel), Derek Mixon (drums), Morgane (background vocals, synthesizer, tambourine) and Lee Pardini (organ, piano).
—Rania Aniftos, Billboard, 14 Mar. 2024
That pizzicato hook — a blend of synthesizer and guitar — is undeniable.
—Ed Masley, The Arizona Republic, 10 Mar. 2024
To demonstrate those qualities, Le Caine created a synthesizer that mimicked, among other things, a brass horn known as the sackbut.
—IEEE Spectrum, 1 Feb. 2024
Violin, double bass, and a whole lot of synthesizers and guitar pedals and samplers and things which are great for mangling sounds.
—Lily Moayeri, SPIN, 15 Feb. 2024
Sitars made from golf clubs, pianos generating otherworldly tones from electromagnets, and infinitely customizable miniature synthesizers—all have taken home prizes at Georgia Tech’s Guthman Musical Instrument Competition.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 18 Jan. 2024
Most submissions involve some degree of electronics (see: Teenage Engineering’s OP-1 mini synthesizer) although many remain wholly acoustic creations.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 18 Jan. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'synthesizer.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1869, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near synthesizer
Cite this Entry
“Synthesizer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/synthesizer. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.
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Kids Definition
synthesizer
noun
syn·the·siz·er
-ˌsī-zər
1
: one that synthesizes
2
: a computer-controlled device that creates and modifies sound (as for producing music)
More from Merriam-Webster on synthesizer
Nglish: Translation of synthesizer for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of synthesizer for Arabic Speakers
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