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 One Block Down x Air Max 95 OG Big Bubble Lux features a full premium leather upper, replacing all of the typical Air Max 95 materials including its signature synthetic suede and mesh. — Riley Jones, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2026 Our mastery of synthetic chemistry is akin to a second control of fire, a biological and geological milestone in Earth history. — Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2026

Noun

Meanwhile, in June, Space42 added three new synthetic-aperture-radar (SAR) satellites to its Foresight constellation, which can image the Earth at day or night and through cloud cover. — Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 23 Sep. 2026 The synthetic gives you direction and a new lens, but humans still make the decisions. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 23 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for synthetic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for synthetic

Adjective

Key Takeaways These artificial channels are up to five times more selective for lithium, offering a simpler way to extract the critical battery material.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 28 Oct. 2026
Stocks in the artificial-intelligence industry led Wall Street higher on Tuesday, as their yo-yo moves swing back upward.

— Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of artificial

Adjective

For the fashion lover who prefers to make a statement, look to the collection’s red-hot faux-fur Madison shoulder bag.

— Laura Jackson, Vogue, 27 Oct. 2026
An electric fireplace and lots of glazing round out the space, and the timber shiplap finish and faux stone fireplace surround are a nice touch, lending it a cabin-like look.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of faux

Noun

The proof of concept combines robotic manipulation, AI and virtual simulation to explore how robots can pick components from containers and arrange them in the correct order for vehicle assembly.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 29 Oct. 2026
But the company warns that, as simulations run longer, details and object permanence can shift over time.

— Jay Peters, The Verge, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of simulation

Adjective

Think of your home as a simulated work environment in which everyday chores — like unloading the dishwasher or gathering ingredients for a meal – are a chance to learn.

— John Gill, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026
For all its tests, the company builds realistic simulated environments, red teams these environments itself and with third parties to see whether they can be escaped, and monitors what agents do.

— Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of simulated

Adjective

In episode 4, Noah made up an elaborate ruse involving a fake friend’s wedding in Napa — a means of getting Joanne to wine country for a romantic weekend.

— Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2026
The two fans came with their own props even though fake mustaches were given to fans at the entry gates.

— Armando L. Sanchez, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of fake

Adjective

Technicians spent weeks running inert dummy rods through the cutters to verify tolerances before introducing live radioactive fuel.

— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 24 Sep. 2026
Perception set up a dummy news site and created fake social-media accounts highlighting the tournament’s amenities, which included kosher food in stadiums.

— Ruth Margalit, New Yorker, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of dummy

Adjective

The men stopped short of signing the oath required for vouching, but Moriarty said that giving false names and starting the process was enough to justify the felony charges.

— Mark Vancleave, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026
Bhengura faces a maximum of five years in prison on the false statements of citizenship in order to register to vote count and a maximum of one year in prison on the voting by an alien in a federal election count.

— Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of false

Adjective

Using techniques like input-dependent computation and gating, the liquid AI design gives us substantially greater power to access the human-like cognition, albeit imitative, of the machines.

— John Werner, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 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 29 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of synthetic

adjective

noun

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