syn·thet·ic
sin-ˈthe-tik 
1
: relating to or involving synthesis : not analytic
the synthetic aspects of a philosophy
2
: attributing to a subject something determined by observation rather than analysis of the nature of the subject and not resulting in self-contradiction if negated compare analytic
3
: characterized by frequent and systematic use of inflected forms to express grammatical relationships
synthetic languages
4
a(1)
: of, relating to, or produced by chemical or biochemical synthesis
especially
: produced artificially
synthetic drugs
synthetic silk
(2)
: of or relating to a synfuel
b
: devised, arranged, or fabricated for special situations to imitate or replace usual realities
c
: factitious, bogus
: something resulting from synthesis rather than occurring naturally
especially
: a product (such as a drug or plastic) of chemical synthesis
Synonyms
Examples of synthetic in a Sentence
Adjective
that organic farm doesn't use any pesticides or synthetic fertilizers
boots of waterproof synthetic leather
Noun
The drug is a synthetic.
Recent Examples on the Web
The Indianapolis Star, 6 Jan. 2024
Typically filled with synthetic materials like polyester microfiber, rayon, cotton, or polyester, down alternatives are a good pinch hit.
—Sharon Brandwein, Southern Living, 4 Jan. 2024
Most hiking boots on the market today will be a blend of synthetic materials like nylon, along with some mesh and leather.
—Meg Carney, Field & Stream, 4 Jan. 2024
The plan is to invest the money in genetic medicine, cell therapies, immunotherapies, synthetic biology and artificial intelligence startups, as well as diagnostics and life science tools companies.
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First-time funds have been difficult to raise during the biotech downturn.
—Allison Deangelis, STAT, 3 Jan. 2024
Psilocybin can be made in a lab, but the effects of synthetic psilocybin are said to differ from the effects of consuming psilocybin-containing mushrooms, because (like the cannabis plant) the whole mushroom fruit is reported to have an entourage effect.
—Robert Johnson, Rolling Stone, 18 Dec. 2023
Officials have already warned about other synthetic opioids even more potent than fentanyl that have been linked to overdose deaths across the nation.
—Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 14 Dec. 2023
After all, unlike real shearling, it’s made of synthetic fibers and is (usually) designed to be cleaned with water either by hand or in a washing machine.
—Jessica MacDonald, Travel + Leisure, 12 Dec. 2023
But fentanyl, the synthetic opioid that is 50 times more potent than heroin, continues to drive overdose deaths in San Francisco, a trend mirrored in Los Angeles and across the nation, in big cities and smaller metro areas.
—Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 16 Dec. 2023
Stefanie Waldek, Travel + Leisure, 6 Dec. 2023
The material inside the compartments should be soft, plush, or padded to protect your items, with natural fabrics being preferable over synthetics.
—Kristen (kj) Callihan, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Nov. 2023
Or opt for moisture-wicking synthetics to keep you dry during periods of high exertion.
—Todd Plummer, Robb Report, 25 Oct. 2023
In terms of fabrics, opt for materials that will keep you cool, like cotton or moisture-wicking synthetics.
—Stefanie Waldek, Travel + Leisure, 19 Sep. 2023
Those made of rubber material are good for grip, says Archibald, who recommends natural rubber over synthetic, since the former is more durable and often higher quality.
—Jenny McCoy, SELF, 18 Sep. 2023
Thin synthetics like polyester and nylon are great for wicking away sweat and moisture.
—Kevin Cortez, Popular Mechanics, 7 Aug. 2023
According to the National Eczema Society, wool and synthetics like nylon and polyester can cause overheating and sweating, which can lead to irritation.
—Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 9 Nov. 2023
Additionally, Lynn says rugs made from cotton and synthetics like polypropylene, polyester, chenille, and nylon are washable.
—Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 7 Nov. 2023
See More
Adjective
The synthetic opioid carries a deadly dose small enough to fit on the tip of a pencil.
—The Indianapolis Star, 6 Jan. 2024
Typically filled with synthetic materials like polyester microfiber, rayon, cotton, or polyester, down alternatives are a good pinch hit.
—Sharon Brandwein, Southern Living, 4 Jan. 2024
Most hiking boots on the market today will be a blend of synthetic materials like nylon, along with some mesh and leather.
—Meg Carney, Field & Stream, 4 Jan. 2024
The plan is to invest the money in genetic medicine, cell therapies, immunotherapies, synthetic biology and artificial intelligence startups, as well as diagnostics and life science tools companies.
advertisement
First-time funds have been difficult to raise during the biotech downturn.
—Allison Deangelis, STAT, 3 Jan. 2024
Psilocybin can be made in a lab, but the effects of synthetic psilocybin are said to differ from the effects of consuming psilocybin-containing mushrooms, because (like the cannabis plant) the whole mushroom fruit is reported to have an entourage effect.
—Robert Johnson, Rolling Stone, 18 Dec. 2023
Officials have already warned about other synthetic opioids even more potent than fentanyl that have been linked to overdose deaths across the nation.
—Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 14 Dec. 2023
After all, unlike real shearling, it’s made of synthetic fibers and is (usually) designed to be cleaned with water either by hand or in a washing machine.
—Jessica MacDonald, Travel + Leisure, 12 Dec. 2023
But fentanyl, the synthetic opioid that is 50 times more potent than heroin, continues to drive overdose deaths in San Francisco, a trend mirrored in Los Angeles and across the nation, in big cities and smaller metro areas.
—Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 16 Dec. 2023
Noun
Again, wool or synthetics are your best bet both for comfort and for multiple wears.
—Stefanie Waldek, Travel + Leisure, 6 Dec. 2023
The material inside the compartments should be soft, plush, or padded to protect your items, with natural fabrics being preferable over synthetics.
—Kristen (kj) Callihan, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Nov. 2023
Or opt for moisture-wicking synthetics to keep you dry during periods of high exertion.
—Todd Plummer, Robb Report, 25 Oct. 2023
In terms of fabrics, opt for materials that will keep you cool, like cotton or moisture-wicking synthetics.
—Stefanie Waldek, Travel + Leisure, 19 Sep. 2023
Those made of rubber material are good for grip, says Archibald, who recommends natural rubber over synthetic, since the former is more durable and often higher quality.
—Jenny McCoy, SELF, 18 Sep. 2023
Thin synthetics like polyester and nylon are great for wicking away sweat and moisture.
—Kevin Cortez, Popular Mechanics, 7 Aug. 2023
According to the National Eczema Society, wool and synthetics like nylon and polyester can cause overheating and sweating, which can lead to irritation.
—Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 9 Nov. 2023
Additionally, Lynn says rugs made from cotton and synthetics like polypropylene, polyester, chenille, and nylon are washable.
—Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 7 Nov. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'synthetic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Phrases Containing synthetic
Dictionary Entries Near synthetic
Cite this Entry
“Synthetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/synthetic. Accessed 17 Jan. 2024.
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Kids Definition
synthetic
1 of 2 adjective
syn·thet·ic
sin-ˈthet-ik
1
: relating to or involving synthesis
2
: of, relating to, or produced by chemical synthesis
especially
: produced artificially
synthetic drugs
synthetic fibers
synthetic
2 of 2 noun
: a product of chemical synthesis
Medical Definition
synthetic
1 of 2 adjective
syn·thet·ic
sin-ˈthet-ik
: of, relating to, or produced by chemical or biochemical synthesis
especially
: produced artificially
synthetic drugs
synthetic dyes
synthetic
2 of 2 noun
: a product (as a drug) of chemical synthesis
More from Merriam-Webster on synthetic
Nglish: Translation of synthetic for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of synthetic for Arabic Speakers
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