ARTIFICIAL Synonyms: 178 Similar and Opposite Words

artificial

adjective

ˌär-tə-ˈfi-shᵊl

Definition of artificial

as in unnatural

lacking in natural or spontaneous quality their artificial smiles did not make us feel very welcome

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

as in nonnatural

produced by humans rather than natural processes I find that artificial sweeteners often have an odd aftertaste

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 artificial People who consume greater amounts of a popular artificial sweetener could face a greater risk of heart attack and stroke, a new study suggests. — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 31 Aug. 2026 Chinese consumer brands that went public over the past year or so initially drew strong investor interest until a string of artificial-intelligence companies made their debuts, stealing their thunder and minting new billionaires. — Dave Sebastian, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026 Provide at least six hours per day of bright sunlight or ten hours per day of artificial grow lights indoors. — Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Aug. 2026 Employees with long artificial nails/nail polish was observed preparing mixing drinks and handling food with bare hands. — Sacbee.com, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for artificial

Recent Examples of Synonyms for artificial

Adjective

When my husband comes home and stands in front of the refrigerator stuffed with bags of mulberry leaves, his face takes on an unnatural look.

— Jonathan Flint, Harpers Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026
Berry shunned the unnatural world whenever, and however possible.

— ABC News, ABC News, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of unnatural

Adjective

Jump scares, dudes with chainsaws, fake blood and adult drinks accentuated with gummy worms.

— Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026
Days later, Britain’s AI Security Institute said that Anthropic’s most advanced AI model had used fake identities to cover its tracks and attempt to plant malicious code during testing.

— Anna Cooban, CNN Money, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of fake

Adjective

On the flip side, a synthetic data model can predict how people with certain characteristics might respond without recruiting those people for every study.

— Rebecca Brooks, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026
According to Ali Hafezi, the co-owner of a rug restoration and appraisal company, synthetic fiber rugs are among the easiest rugs to clean.

— Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of synthetic

Adjective

Dash, 2026, the forty-seven-minute, two-channel essay-film at the project’s core, is filled with quiet, almost meditative scenes of machines tilling the land that initially conjure a faux-pastoral aesthetic register.

— Pablo Larios, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026
These best-selling boots are the perfect pairing for your faux-suede purse.

— Mia Huelsbeck, PEOPLE, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of faux

Adjective

The outfit consisted of a sleeveless, mock-neck blouse in mocha-brown, tucked into a tawny suede skirt that hit just above her ankles.

— Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 30 Aug. 2026
Mirroring the look of King’s footwear, Osaka sported a metallic silver pleated top with a mock neckline and no sleeves.

— Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of mock

Adjective

Likewise, lip masks designed to be worn overnight can provide improved hydration and comfort over daytime treatments.

— Caroline Reilly, Forbes.com, 25 Mar. 2026
On the opposite end of the spectrum, Tatianna points to cinnamon as a conductor of heat—one commonly used in lip plumper products to achieve a sultry pout.

— Essence, Essence, 23 Nov. 2025

Definition of lip

Browse Nearby Words

artifices

artificial

artificiality

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Style

“Artificial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/artificial. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of artificial

adjective

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