1
as in unnatural
lacking in natural or spontaneous quality
their artificial smiles did not make us feel very welcome
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in fake
not being or expressing what one appears to be or express
the familiar sight of the award winner accepting the artificial congratulations of the other nominees
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in synthetic
being such in appearance only and made with or manufactured from usually cheaper materials
artificial fruit made from wax
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in nonnatural
produced by humans rather than natural processes
I find that artificial sweeteners often have an odd aftertaste
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of artificial
The tower would be camouflaged by artificial leaves and branches, and placed on a 14-acre property hundreds of feet from the nearest home, the company said.
—
Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 17 July 2025
In posing anew the question of facial control, the technology provides us with an opportunity to think about how such control works in both its artificial and natural forms.
—Michael W. Clune, Harpers Magazine, 16 July 2025
When you’re not sunbathing or swimming in one of the pools or being pampered at the spa, check out the new snorkel-friendly artificial reef off Hollywood Beach.
—Miami Herald, 16 July 2025
While trace amounts may still be naturally present in some foods, the ban has virtually eliminated artificial trans fats.
—Brittany Poulson, People.com, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for artificial
Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 17 July 2025
In posing anew the question of facial control, the technology provides us with an opportunity to think about how such control works in both its artificial and natural forms.
—Michael W. Clune, Harpers Magazine, 16 July 2025
When you’re not sunbathing or swimming in one of the pools or being pampered at the spa, check out the new snorkel-friendly artificial reef off Hollywood Beach.
—Miami Herald, 16 July 2025
While trace amounts may still be naturally present in some foods, the ban has virtually eliminated artificial trans fats.
—Brittany Poulson, People.com, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for artificial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for artificial
Adjective
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Even if that means stepping into a version of themselves that feels unnatural.—
Vibhas Ratanjee,
Forbes.com,
11 July 2025
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While some can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and concerns, many are created with specific consumers and their needs in mind.—
Angela Trakoshis,
Allure,
11 July 2025
Adjective
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How tariff news fuels some scams The Better Business Bureau warned earlier this summer that some scammers are using fake excuses involving delays caused by tariffs to cover up fraudulent online orders.—
Susan Tompor,
Freep.com,
24 July 2025
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Also, a covert foreign influence campaign aimed at swaying public opinion and sowing discord through fake social media posts.—
Dan Gooding
Gabe Whisnant,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 July 2025
Adjective
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The push for tools to address overdoses has taken on more urgency as deaths from synthetic opioids have skyrocketed in Texas and across the U.S. Fentanyl was identified as the likely cause of a surge of 79 overdoses in Austin last spring, which killed nine people.—
Bayliss Wagner,
Austin American Statesman,
23 July 2025
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The deadly synthetic opioid has been covered in books and research papers and articles, including many published by inewsource, the nonprofit San Diego newsroom where Self is the managing editor.—
Blake Nelson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
23 July 2025
Adjective
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There has been a gradual normalization of ties between India and China in recent months after relations were deeply strained in June 2020, when a brutal hand-to-hand battle in the Galwan Valley left at least 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers dead.—
Rhea Mogul,
CNN Money,
24 July 2025
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The Taliban’s strained relationships with Iran and Pakistan further complicate reintegration efforts.—
Natasha Lindstaedt,
Forbes.com,
17 July 2025
Adjective
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The Sox fell into a hole after a two-run double by Bryce Harper in the third inning.—
LaMond Pope,
Chicago Tribune,
29 July 2025
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His double off the brick arcade would’ve cleared the fence in every major-league ballpark except the one built hard against McCovey Cove.—
Andrew Baggarly,
New York Times,
27 July 2025
Adjective
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Morrow wore all Coach: a faux fur cheetah coat with mom-style denim jeans and a black leather bustier top.—
Robyn Mowatt,
Essence,
21 July 2025
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With six colors to choose from, this luxe faux leather passport holder may just become your new favorite travel accessory.—
Merrell Readman,
Travel + Leisure,
20 July 2025
Adjective
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The analytics department had built a mock draft simulator to get a feel for how the board might shake out before the Panthers selected at their No. 57 spot.—
Mike Kaye
July 22,
Charlotte Observer,
22 July 2025
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In early March, the command's fighter jets and a U.S. bomber carried out a mock interception over Alaska, showcasing its ability to defend the continent at a moment's notice.—
Ryan Chan,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 July 2025
Adjective
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By After Testing Over 30 Best Sellers By Siena Gagliano Unlike balms, which can make lip color slide around, a primer locks it in while keeping lips soft and comfortable.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
2 Mar. 2025
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For lip color, reach for the Merit Beauty Signature lipsticks.—
Loren Savini,
Allure,
22 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Artificial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/artificial. Accessed 2 Aug. 2025.
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