1
as in self
the set of qualities that makes a person, a group of people, or a thing different from others it was the grotesque nature of his stories that made them a challenge to get published in mainstream magazines her nature was such that lying was never an option for her the stoic nature of that family enables them to endure one calamity after another

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2
as in wilderness
that part of the physical world that is removed from human habitation needed to get out of the office and back to nature in order to clear his head

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
as in kind
a number of persons or things that are grouped together because they have something in common group together anything round: buttons, lids, coins, and other things of that nature

Synonyms & Similar Words

4
5
6
as in universe
the whole body of things observed or assumed the belief that all of nature is controlled by an unseen Supreme Being

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word nature distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of nature are character, description, kind, sort, and type. While all these words mean "a number of individuals thought of as a group because of a common quality or qualities," nature may imply inherent, essential resemblance rather than obvious or superficial likenesses.

two problems of a similar nature

Where would character be a reasonable alternative to nature?

Although the words character and nature have much in common, character implies a group marked by distinctive likenesses peculiar to the type.

research on the subject so far has been of an elementary character

When is it sensible to use description instead of nature?

The synonyms description and nature are sometimes interchangeable, but description implies a group marked by agreement in all details belonging to a type as described or defined.

not all acts of that description are actually illegal

When can kind be used instead of nature?

In some situations, the words kind and nature are roughly equivalent. However, kind may suggest natural grouping.

a zoo seemingly having animals of every kind

When would sort be a good substitute for nature?

While the synonyms sort and nature are close in meaning, sort often suggests some disparagement.

the sort of newspaper dealing in sensational stories

In what contexts can type take the place of nature?

The words type and nature are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, type may suggest strong and clearly marked similarity throughout the items included so that each is typical of the group.

one of three basic body types

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 nature Marsh views and the shade of live oaks maintain the connection to nature and stays include daily Lowcountry meals carefully sourced from local farmers or the on-site garden. Elaine Glusac, Travel + Leisure, 18 Mar. 2025 In the internet culture pantheon, few fanfic writers have ever achieved fame, and those that have sometimes do so for the salacious nature of their work. Megan Farokhmanesh, WIRED, 18 Mar. 2025 On this regard the nature of the dialysis services provides a degree of stability somehow higher than other healthcare sub-sectors. Gurufocus, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025 Of course, the uncertain nature of Trump’s trade plans appears to be a feature, not a bug. Matt Egan, CNN, 6 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for nature
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nature
Noun
  • Alex has to hold on with both hands in order to keep her preggo self in one spot, but we’re distracted from the terror by her voiceover of the fan fiction — er, journal to Spencer — that she’s been keeping.
    Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 2 Mar. 2025
  • The adaptive leader integrates I (self), we (others) and it (task and purpose) viewpoints.
    Hylke Faber, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Cedar Key sits off a part of Florida that is home to large swaths of mangrove wilderness, including Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve and Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park.
    Mark Price, Miami Herald, 18 Mar. 2025
  • In the course of the nineteen-eighties, New York transformed from a flaming wasteland of muggings, languid professionalism, and underground parties into a despoiled wilderness of muggings, careerism, and public glitz.
    Nathan Heller, The New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • View Recipe Fruits of all kinds, especially berries, grapes, apples, and citrus, are celebrated by health experts for their anti-inflammatory properties.
    Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Maybe not, and hopefully not, to the same extent—hopefully not ever finding themselves in the position of total dependence on Russian energy of any kind.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 18 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • That makes the continent's political disposition critical to the future of freedom.
    Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 3 Mar. 2025
  • To develop a truthful disposition, model honesty in your daily interactions.
    Alana Bracken, Parents, 28 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • In essence, technology is democratizing coaching and embedding it into organizations and individuals that used to receive very little of it, if at all.
    Alexander Puutio, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Smokey, tangy, and subtly sweet—the overall flavor somehow captures the essence of a warm, breezy evening on the beach.
    Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The rankings for the catchers listed here are for standard 5×5 Roto leagues (mixed universe).
    Gene McCaffrey, The Athletic, 11 Mar. 2025
  • The result is an approachable yet luxurious experience aimed at attracting Louis Vuitton fans, casual shoppers and locals alike, planting the seed of a future purchase after being immersed into the brand’s universe.
    Clara Ludmir, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Well wishes came from country singer Jessie James Decker, commentator Candace Owens and TV personality Jeannie Mai.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 16 Mar. 2025
  • His coaching staff have been filling in the gaps regarding personalities and who can play two games in quick succession.
    Charlotte Harpur, The Athletic, 16 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The sleek silhouette of the shoe echoes the overall temperament of the season–quiet strength, sensuality, and effortless sophistication.
    Bianca Salonga, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
  • The film plays up his Captain as its own distinct hero, a Captain America with no super serum but better gear, a different temperament and a different style of fighting.
    Maya Phillips, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Nature.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nature. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

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