synthetic

1 of 2

adjective

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

synthetically

sin-ˈthe-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

synthetic

2 of 2

noun

: something resulting from synthesis rather than occurring naturally

especially : a product (such as a drug or plastic) of chemical synthesis

Synonyms

Adjective

• artificial
• man-made
• nonnatural

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

Adjective

In addition to this, according to the Ethical Consumer, the washing of these synthetic materials releases microplastics into the ocean. —Presley Bo Tyler, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2024

Employees should be taught to be on their guard and identify tell-tale signs of synthetic video, just as detecting and evading phishing attacks is now a standard practice. —Bernard Marr, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024

Noun

Fentanyl, the potent synthetic opioid prescribed for pain relief, is largely responsible for that staggering figure. —James Ward, The Arizona Republic, 13 Dec. 2024

Don’t worry, synthetics smell like deer and work fine. —Michael Hanback, Outdoor Life, 7 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Greek synthetikos of composition, component, from syntithenai to put together

First Known Use

Adjective

1697, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1916, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing synthetic

• synthetic division
• synthetic geometry
• synthetic resin

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

synthetically

-ˈthet-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

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

synthetically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

synthetic

2 of 2 noun

: a product (as a drug) of chemical synthesis