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
Nicolás Rivero, Washington Post, 5 July 2024
Bangladesh has a strong history of textile production, and produces a broad range of products, including cotton and synthetic fabrics, plus garments and home textiles.
—Sj Studio, Sourcing Journal, 2 July 2024
Andrea Navarro, Glamour, 21 June 2024
Rather than over-stripping your skin of essential moisture, this fragrance-free formula provides a deep cleanser with hydrating hyaluronic acid—and leaves out synthetic (and notoriously irritating) fragrances, soaps, and alcohol.
—Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 21 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for synthetic 
Adjective
Just as glass and metal can be melted down and remolded into new products, synthetic fabrics like polyester can be melted into plastic pellets and turned back into fibers.
—Nicolás Rivero, Washington Post, 5 July 2024
Bangladesh has a strong history of textile production, and produces a broad range of products, including cotton and synthetic fabrics, plus garments and home textiles.
—Sj Studio, Sourcing Journal, 2 July 2024
Noun
These synthetics can hold up to chlorine and are more likely to keep their color and shape than natural picks like cotton.
—Andrea Navarro, Glamour, 21 June 2024
Rather than over-stripping your skin of essential moisture, this fragrance-free formula provides a deep cleanser with hydrating hyaluronic acid—and leaves out synthetic (and notoriously irritating) fragrances, soaps, and alcohol.
—Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 21 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for synthetic
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.
Dictionary Entries Near synthetic
Cite this Entry
“Synthetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/synthetic. Accessed 15 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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
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