synthetic

1 of 2

adjective

syn·​thet·​ic sin-ˈthe-tik How to pronounce synthetic (audio)
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
synthetically 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

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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Adjective
Murao shouts out this pair because they’re mostly made from breathable organic cotton, as opposed to synthetic materials. Jordan Galloway, SELF, 26 Oct. 2024 The procedure is quick, painless and perfect for those who want to avoid synthetic fillers to refresh the undereye area and improve skin elasticity. Rana Good, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2024
Noun
And most synthetics are made from polymeric fibers, which are essentially plastic. Cameron Evans, Outdoor Life, 17 Oct. 2024 The mill is blending natural fibers such as cotton, linen, and Tencel with sustainable synthetics to balance comfort, durability, and sustainability. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 17 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for synthetic 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of synthetic was in 1697

Dictionary Entries Near synthetic

Cite this Entry

“Synthetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/synthetic. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

synthetic

1 of 2 adjective
syn·​thet·​ic sin-ˈthet-ik How to pronounce synthetic (audio)
1
: relating to or involving synthesis
2
: of, relating to, or produced by chemical synthesis
especially : produced artificially
synthetic drugs
synthetic fibers
synthetically adverb

synthetic

2 of 2 noun
: a product of chemical synthesis

Medical Definition

synthetic

1 of 2 adjective
syn·​thet·​ic sin-ˈthet-ik How to pronounce synthetic (audio)
: of, relating to, or produced by chemical or biochemical synthesis
especially : produced artificially
synthetic drugs
synthetic dyes
synthetically adverb

synthetic

2 of 2 noun
: a product (as a drug) of chemical synthesis

More from Merriam-Webster on synthetic

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