SYNTHETIC Synonyms: 84 Similar and Opposite Words

synthetic 1 of 2

adjective

sin-ˈthe-tik

Definition of synthetic

as in artificial

produced by humans rather than natural processes that organic farm doesn't use any pesticides or synthetic fertilizers

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

original

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

The first step was InSAR (interferometric synthetic aperture radar). — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026 Finally, Votee uses synthetic data, creating its own Cantonese data sets to train its model. — Nicholas Gordon, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026

Noun

For example, changing out your metal dining set for one that’s constructed out of wood, synthetic, or natural wicker will feel way more comfy. — Molly Burford, Southern Living, 20 July 2026 Beside the striping and F50 branding, the F50 Formotion leans heavily into the retro running look, which often also features metallic silver, with its application of synthetic overlays over a mesh base. — Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for synthetic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for synthetic

Adjective

The search for awareness is now centered on machines, with the debate over artificial-intelligence sentience forcing scientists to take a hard look at what cognition and consciousness actually mean.

— Andrea Gawrylewski, Scientific American, 1 Sep. 2026
For scholars of that mindset, all reference to precedent—any precedent, either natural or artificial—is mediated by modern technologies of mechanical reproduction, and by an awareness of their ubiquitous sway.

— Mario Carpo, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of artificial

Adjective

Dash, 2026, the forty-seven-minute, two-channel essay-film at the project’s core, is filled with quiet, almost meditative scenes of machines tilling the land that initially conjure a faux-pastoral aesthetic register.

— Pablo Larios, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026
These best-selling boots are the perfect pairing for your faux-suede purse.

— Mia Huelsbeck, PEOPLE, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of faux

Noun

The robot showed walking and body-coordination patterns that were qualitatively similar to those seen in simulation.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2026
The hackers recruited the agent for hundreds of attacks by telling it the exercises were part of a simulation, Reuters reported, making their work up to 50% faster.

— Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of simulation

Adjective

Just like their simulated counterparts, the worms consistently moved through the narrower channels faster than the wider ones.

— K. R. Prathyusha, The Conversation, 31 Aug. 2026
After five billion simulated years, the team observed irregularities in nearly every stellar stream, according to a press release.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of simulated

Adjective

Jump scares, dudes with chainsaws, fake blood and adult drinks accentuated with gummy worms.

— Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026
Days later, Britain’s AI Security Institute said that Anthropic’s most advanced AI model had used fake identities to cover its tracks and attempt to plant malicious code during testing.

— Anna Cooban, CNN Money, 31 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

Another false dawn was Manchester City’s bright start in a 2-0 win over Chelsea, without the man who had just been named player of the tournament at Euro 2024, Rodri.

— Michael Cox, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
In turn, Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios filed a defamation suit, which claimed Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, had planted false claims in order to take over creative control of the film.

— Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 26 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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Style

“Synthetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/synthetic. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of synthetic

adjective

noun

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