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
Alan Greenblatt, CBS News, 12 Jan. 2026
Insulation still matters at this price point—some coats use down while others rely on high-performing synthetic fills that are often easier (and cheaper) to maintain.
—Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 11 Jan. 2026
Riley Jones, Footwear News, 13 Jan. 2026
Towels, made of absorbent cotton or a cotton blend, are designed to hold moisture, while clothes can be made from various materials like synthetics, cotton, or delicate fabrics.
—Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for synthetic
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Adjective
The bill was among a slew of state efforts to regulate synthetic dyes.
—Noun
The remainder of the synthetic suede overlays feature a more typical gray fade, but the key color on this pair is its brighter hits of Sapphire on the lace loops, Air units and outsole.
—Cite this Entry
“Synthetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/synthetic. Accessed 19 Jan. 2026.
Kids 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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