synthesis

noun

syn·​the·​sis ˈsin(t)-thə-səs 

plural syntheses ˈsin(t)-thə-ˌsēz 

1

a

: the composition or combination of parts or elements so as to form a whole

b

: the production of a substance by the union of chemical elements, groups, or simpler compounds or by the degradation of a complex compound

c

: the combining of often diverse conceptions into a coherent whole

also : the complex so formed

2

a

: deductive reasoning

b

: the dialectic combination of thesis and antithesis into a higher stage of truth

3

: the frequent and systematic use of inflected forms as a characteristic device of a language

synthesist

ˈsin(t)-thə-sist 

noun

Synonyms

• mixture
• amalgamation
• blend
• mix
• amalgam
• alloy
• combination
• fusion

Examples of synthesis in a Sentence

a philosophy that is a kind of synthesis of several schools of Western and Eastern thought

Recent Examples on the Web

Nakamura’s team has shown that, with the right molecular design (like adamantane), electron beams can instead drive highly specific chemical reactions, opening up new frontiers in both nanomaterial synthesis and electron microscopy. —Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 7 Sep. 2025

This powder comes in a few delicious flavors—unflavored, strawberry lemon, vanilla, and chocolate—and is packed with vitamin C, which can support collagen synthesis to further boost effectiveness, according to Fazio. —Brianna Peters, Vogue, 6 Sep. 2025

As women reach perimenopause and the hormones of estrogen and progesterone start to decline, other changes occur but are deeply individual, including to a woman’s cardiovascular health, muscle synthesis, and metabolic health, Navani says. —Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 4 Sep. 2025

More than a business, Electric Goddess is a living synthesis of its founders, with their collaborative effort toward scientific gravity and mutual resilience. —Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Greek, from syntithenai to put together, from syn- + tithenai to put, place — more at do

First Known Use

1589, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing synthesis

• synthesis gas

Rhymes for synthesis

• synthesise
• biosynthesis
• photosynthesis
• nucleosynthesis

Kids Definition

synthesis

noun

syn·​the·​sis ˈsin(t)-thə-səs 

plural syntheses -thə-ˌsēz 

1

: the combination of parts or elements so as to form a whole

especially : the production of a substance by union of chemically simpler substances

2

a

: the combining of often very different ideas into an ordered whole

b

: the product so formed

Medical Definition

synthesis

noun

syn·​the·​sis ˈsin(t)-thə-səs 

plural syntheses -ˌsēz 

1

: the composition or combination of parts or elements so as to form a whole

2

: the production of a substance by the union of chemical elements, groups, or simpler compounds or by the degradation of a complex compound

protein synthesis