nature

noun

ˈnā-chər How to pronounce nature (audio)
Definition of naturenext
1
as in self
the set of qualities that makes a person, a group of people, or a thing different from others it was the grotesque nature of his stories that made them a challenge to get published in mainstream magazines her nature was such that lying was never an option for her the stoic nature of that family enables them to endure one calamity after another

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in wilderness
that part of the physical world that is removed from human habitation needed to get out of the office and back to nature in order to clear his head

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in kind
a number of persons or things that are grouped together because they have something in common group together anything round: buttons, lids, coins, and other things of that nature

Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in disposition
one's characteristic attitude or mood a boy of a quiet and shy nature

Synonyms & Similar Words
5
as in essence
the quality or qualities that make a thing what it is some artists maintain that color, light, and shadow are the very nature of painting

Synonyms & Similar Words
6
as in universe
the whole body of things observed or assumed the belief that all of nature is controlled by an unseen Supreme Being

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word nature distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of nature are character, description, kind, sort, and type. While all these words mean "a number of individuals thought of as a group because of a common quality or qualities," nature may imply inherent, essential resemblance rather than obvious or superficial likenesses.

two problems of a similar nature

Where would character be a reasonable alternative to nature?

Although the words character and nature have much in common, character implies a group marked by distinctive likenesses peculiar to the type.

research on the subject so far has been of an elementary character

When is it sensible to use description instead of nature?

The synonyms description and nature are sometimes interchangeable, but description implies a group marked by agreement in all details belonging to a type as described or defined.

not all acts of that description are actually illegal

When can kind be used instead of nature?

In some situations, the words kind and nature are roughly equivalent. However, kind may suggest natural grouping.

a zoo seemingly having animals of every kind

When would sort be a good substitute for nature?

While the synonyms sort and nature are close in meaning, sort often suggests some disparagement.

the sort of newspaper dealing in sensational stories

In what contexts can type take the place of nature?

The words type and nature are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, type may suggest strong and clearly marked similarity throughout the items included so that each is typical of the group.

one of three basic body types

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 nature In this week's edition of Far-Flung Postcards, NPR's Carrie Kahn recalls feeling the rare power of nature at Iguazú Falls on the Brazil-Argentina border. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 23 Oct. 2026 Hartmann and Smith bought into Turgeon’s vision to turn around the program and identify with his competitive nature. — Pj Green october 23, Kansas City Star, 23 Oct. 2026 My passion is to articulate fresh information celebrating nature through glass art. — Andy Battaglia, ARTnews.com, 23 Oct. 2026 This is especially an issue given the community-centric nature of the existing decomp scene. — Andrew Webster, The Verge, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for nature
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nature
  1. self
  2. wilderness
  3. kind
  4. disposition
  5. essence
  6. universe
  7. personality
  8. sort
Noun
  • The deal, which includes spare parts and international orders, is subject to congressional approval and could generate $79 billion in economic activity, with Lockheed Martin self-funding at least $7 billion in program initiatives.
    — Emily Holshouser, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Oct. 2026
  • His singing as Andy Boay is more distinct, his lyrics more diaristic and even self-referential.
    — Ryan Meehan, Pitchfork, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of self
Noun
  • This is Samburu—the gateway to Kenya’s untamed northern frontier, and the setting for Sasaab, one of the continent’s most striking wilderness lodges.
    — Luke Abrahams, Vogue, 27 Oct. 2026
  • The rule was the culmination of a sweeping inventory of land conducted by the Forest Service in which the agency had marked certain forests as prime acreage for wilderness protection.
    — Kirk Siegler, NPR, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of wilderness
Noun
  • Over the period, visibility was supported by itinerant pop-ups under the new Miu Miu Vinyl Club format and the brand unveiled the Miu Miu Shanghai IFC lounge, a one-of-a-kind environment providing intimate hospitality.
    — Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Still, a controversy of some kind might have been inevitable.
    — Jack Denton, Vulture, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of kind
Noun
  • As for finishing touches and accessories, Ortega sported a pair of strappy gold sandal heels, amplifying the sunny disposition of her attire, and wore a set of statement cocktail rings to boot.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Their commitment and disposition to become familiar with governing documents, ask informed questions, and work constructively with other directors are often more important than simply having strong opinions about community issues.
    — Gary M. Mars, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of disposition
Noun
  • First, the essence of each brand tends to manifest in aesthetics and interaction models.
    — Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Rather than rehashing traditional compositions, the group recognizes these sorely untapped sounds as living and malleable, creating new interpretations that bring them to our times without losing an ounce of their essence and verve.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of essence
Noun
  • Much has been debated and discussed about its many metaphors and symbolism, which employed elements of a splintered universe long before the multiverse was hijacked by Hollywood superhero spectacles.
    — Jeff Spry, Space.com, 26 Oct. 2026
  • The openings of monobrand boutiques allow Roberto Coin to showcase its entire product offering in a full brand universe with an immersive experience.
    — Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of universe
Noun
  • Behind the scenes, Chicago historian and media personality Studs Terkel played an integral role, acting as a guide for Mitchell.
    — Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Behind the scenes, Muse uses a collection of digital notes and instructions to guide its personality, actions and memory, all of which can be reviewed, edited and deleted.
    — Marty Swant, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of personality
Noun
  • Based in El Paso, Texas, Mid-West Textile collects, sorts and grades used clothing and textiles for resale and other uses.
    — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 19 Oct. 2026
  • The details play like a movie, the tender indie sort, a period piece, a portrait of the nation before the 1960s truly kicked in.
    — Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of sort

Phrases Containing nature

Browse Nearby Words

naturalness
nature
natures
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nature.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nature. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on nature

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about nature

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