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
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
Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026
Less sweat-trapping than many synthetic jackets, the Oreus kept me from clamming up while ski-touring in five-degree temps and dissipated sweat quickly when worn after strenuous climbs.
—Kelly Bastone, Outside, 10 Feb. 2026
Joe Jackson, Outside, 11 Feb. 2026
Solid/granular synthetics come in a variety of products.
—Paul Cappiello, Louisville Courier Journal, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for synthetic
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Adjective
Thirty-six percent of the baby foods contained synthetic flavor enhancers, including carrageenan, which has been linked to gut inflammation, the study found.
—Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026
Less sweat-trapping than many synthetic jackets, the Oreus kept me from clamming up while ski-touring in five-degree temps and dissipated sweat quickly when worn after strenuous climbs.
—Kelly Bastone, Outside, 10 Feb. 2026
Noun
The merino wool blend interior feels like fleece and hugs my thighs, making the interaction feel more organic than like a stretchy synthetic.
—Joe Jackson, Outside, 11 Feb. 2026
Solid/granular synthetics come in a variety of products.
—Paul Cappiello, Louisville Courier Journal, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for synthetic
Cite this Entry
“Synthetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/synthetic. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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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