Skip to main content
synthetic

synthetic

6 5.3
A substance made by people instead of from natural sources
  • noun
  • /sɪnˈθɛtɪk/
  • Specialized
translation icon : sintético
  • Layers of synthetic felt over a lightweight frame provide support for plant roots and also circulate water and other nutrients.
  • synthetic versus natural
  • a black synthetic
  • synthetic is best

Examples

  • It's a synthetic, developed in our laboratories in New Jersey.

  • It is a synthetic form of progesterone.

  • Today, the only synthetic allowed in tampons is viscose rayon, which is often mixed with cotton.

    Academic text (2014)
  • Modern wind turbines are made of the same carbon-fiber synthetic materials that are found in bulletproof vests.

    Academic text (1999)
  • The scientist created a new synthetic compound that mimics the properties of natural rubber.

  • Many cosmetics contain a synthetic ingredient designed to enhance moisture retention.

  • The manufacturer produces a synthetic fabric used in outdoor gear for its durability and water resistance.

Synonyms

chemical
vssynthetic
541 3.2

A substance made or used when materials react

is limited to materials made artificially by synthesis rather than all substances from reactions
synthetic substance
vssynthetic
  • Specialized
1 4.1

People make it in a lab or factory rather than find it in nature

is the shorter adjective form used to describe such materials

Antonyms

1.0

Not made or changed by people, coming from nature like sunlight

Compounds

synthetic rubber
  • Specialized
1 4.0

A man-made stretchy material made with chemicals like natural rubber

synthetic fiber
  • Specialized
1 4.0

A fiber made using chemicals, not from plants or animals

1 7.2

A man-made drug like morphine that helps people addicted to heroin avoid withdrawal symptoms

synthetic substance
  • Specialized
1 4.1

People make it in a lab or factory rather than find it in nature

synthetic cubism
  • Specialized
9.6

A later painting style with simple shapes, bright colors, and glued paper pieces

synthetic language
  • Specialized
9.4

A language that shows grammar by adding endings or small parts to words

synthetic resin
  • Specialized
4.6

A man-made sticky material used to make plastics

Combining ideas from different fields to make a single clear whole

How Artificial

synthetic
  • Specialized
6 5.3
derived
4.8
natural
1.0

Surface Forms

synthetic singular
synthetics plural

Etymology

Synthetic as a noun also comes from synthesis ('put together'), and a synthetic is a man-made substance made by combining chemicals in a lab rather than coming from nature.