nature

noun

ˈnā-chər How to pronounce nature (audio)
Definition of naturenext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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
as in disposition
one's characteristic attitude or mood a boy of a quiet and shy nature

Synonyms & Similar Words
5
as in essence
the quality or qualities that make a thing what it is some artists maintain that color, light, and shadow are the very nature of painting

Synonyms & Similar Words
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 Despite the global nature of the shift, capital and talent are clustering in a relatively small number of jurisdictions that offer policy predictability and strong legal frameworks. —Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 11 Feb. 2026 The modular nature of the system allows for scalability; while a single unit produces 15 MWe, multiple units can be co-located to power large-scale industrial hubs or data centers. —Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 11 Feb. 2026 Baita Fraina is a historic mountain chalet in the middle of nature’s glory. —Elycia Rubin, HollywoodReporter, 11 Feb. 2026 The album’s improvisatory nature deemphasizes longer phrases in favor of discrete moments; sounds rise sharply from the ether, linger briefly, then dissipate. —Maxie Younger, Pitchfork, 11 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for nature
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nature
  1. self
  2. wilderness
  3. kind
  4. disposition
  5. essence
  6. universe
  7. personality
  8. temperament
Noun
  • And indeed, in-between the shiny sales pitches came little glimpses of self-own.
    — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 9 Feb. 2026
  • DeepMind’s AlphaGo, which defeated the world’s Go champion in 2016, had learned the game over thousands of iterations of self-play.
    — Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026
Definition of self
Noun
  • Find a little thrill by booking a journey with Eden Ethical Dog Sledding, which takes guests through some of the most pristine Vermont wilderness.
    — Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Constance Duffle, a paramedic in Siskiyou County at the Oregon border, serves a vast wilderness region woefully in need of health professionals.
    — Christopher Buchanan, Los Angeles Times, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of wilderness
Noun
  • The arbitrator was moved by his story but ruled against him anyway, denying him his last chance for a win of any kind at this year’s Olympics.
    — Tim Reynolds, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Returning on her sixth studio album, To Whom It May Concern, the Philadelphia native brings in immeasurable wisdom, blossoming into the effortless positivity and authenticity of past albums—the kind that has assisted multiple generations on their respective healing journeys.
    — Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 13 Feb. 2026
Definition of kind
Noun
  • Internal affairs investigations are sent to the police chief for final disposition.
    — Matthew Cupelli, Cincinnati Enquirer, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Quenneville, who is in his first year with the Ducks, praised LaCombe’s disposition and saw his mild manner matter-of-factly, expressing confidence in his ability to handle the bright lights of the Olympic stage.
    — Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 8 Feb. 2026
Definition of disposition
Noun
  • And the essence of democracy — public debate over public policy — would be hollowed out entirely.
    — Bradley Gitz, Arkansas Online, 9 Feb. 2026
  • As the nation enters its next 250 years, working toward reestablishing the concept as a reality for millions of people who have fallen behind may be vital to maintaining the essence of the American promise.
    — Mark Robert Rank, Fortune, 8 Feb. 2026
Definition of essence
Noun
  • In another universe, McCrae could have been played by Sigourney Weaver, but Disney's head of casting believed her unusual name could make life awkward for the film's marketing department.
    — Richard Edwards, Space.com, 8 Feb. 2026
  • SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe.
    — Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 8 Feb. 2026
Definition of universe
Noun
  • And many of the media companies have great monetization but don’t really have any of the big personalities and audiences was a really interesting point.
    — Ben Smith, semafor.com, 14 Feb. 2026
  • With a solid base and a strong personality, these sandals are made for spring and summer travel.
    — Alex Sales, Glamour, 14 Feb. 2026
Definition of personality
Noun
  • Shields’ job is to take this group of individuals and shape them into a single organism with its own character and temperament.
    — David Lyman, Cincinnati Enquirer, 5 Feb. 2026
  • The prickly exchange went viral and prompted bipartisan criticism and questioning of her temperament.
    — Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 4 Feb. 2026
Definition of temperament

Phrases Containing nature

Browse Nearby Words

naturalness
nature
natures
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Cite this Entry

“Nature.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nature. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on nature

Nglish: Translation of nature for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about nature

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