NONNATURAL Synonyms: 16 Similar and Opposite Words

nonnatural

adjective

ˌnän-ˈna-chə-rəl

Definition of nonnatural

as in synthetic

produced by humans rather than natural processes pure vanilla extract that was made without any nonnatural ingredients

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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 nonnatural Much of synthetic biology involves genetic engineering to introduce networks of genes that give cells new functions, such as manufacturing enzymes to make a nonnatural molecule. — Philip Ball, Scientific American, 18 Apr. 2023 The latter discipline has racked up impressive achievements in retooling cells for nonnatural tasks—for example, programming bacteria to glow in the presence of pollutants and other chemicals. — Philip Ball, Scientific American, 18 Apr. 2023 The increase in mortality has been especially stark among working-age males, with increases in death rates from alcohol, violence, and other nonnatural causes. — Nicholas Gordon, Fortune, 3 Apr. 2023 Only one nonnatural death of an inmate has ever been reported at the prison. — Joseph Simonson, Washington Examiner, 21 Apr. 2021

Recent Examples of Synonyms for nonnatural

Adjective

Some dental floss manufacturers have been quietly moving away from the synthetic material PTFE, which helped their product slip smoothly between teeth.

— Margaret Hetherman The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2026
The result is a synthetic rhythm section—a voice mimicking a synthesizer that mimics a bass guitar—that precedes a very human chorus from Please, who does not sing so much as plead, several octaves higher.

— Samuel Hyland, Pitchfork, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of synthetic

Adjective

The series also leans on some corny, dad-style humor that further underscores its artificial nature.

— Britta Miller, The Washington Examiner, 14 Oct. 2026
The authors believe their own work will eventually find similar medical and microfluidic applications, such as for artificial pumps.

— Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of artificial

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nonnatives

nonnatural

nonnecessities

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“Nonnatural.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nonnatural. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of nonnatural

adjective

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