synthetic

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'synthetic' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that is made by humans and not occurring in nature, such as a synthetic material or a synthetic compound. For example: "This fabric is made up of synthetic fibers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For every synthetic cannabinoid the authorities have banned, a half-dozen more have popped up, all of which are less understood by doctors than cannabis.

The Guardian

Under a law passed last summer, synthetic recreational drugs can be sold after tests to determine safety – funded by manufacturers, and then only at licensed shops to adults.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Can I have some strawberries?" And I think oh, good, something healthy, but she means the synthetic sweet strawberries from our newsagents.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Odent writes that the use of synthetic drips of oxytocin means women will no longer be able to produce "the hormone of love" naturally.

The Guardian - Opinion

They are: big data; synthetic biology; regenerative medicine; agri-science; energy; advanced materials; robotics and autonomous systems; and space.

The Guardian

The $25 £166) test draws on advances in synthetic biology and rapid gene sequencing to analyse more than 1000 strains of human viruses in one pass.

The Guardian

So when legal highs arrived on the scene, a thriving market quickly emerged for everything from crystal meth to synthetic cannabinoids and cocaine.

The Guardian - Opinion

The blanket ban will end the 'substance by substance' approach, which has seen more than 500 new legal highs – many of them synthetic chemical compounds designed to mimic the effects of traditional illicit drugs such as cannabis and ecstasy – banned in Britain.

The Guardian

These are among 70-odd synthetic versions of cannabis to have cropped up in recent years.

The Guardian - Opinion

He dismissed the current dispute as "synthetic indignation from aggrieved nationalists".

The Guardian

Increasingly staffed by former X Factor contestants, it is an almost perfectly self-contained light-entertainment ecosystem – The Glass Bead Game of synthetic pop.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing materials, specify the type of "synthetic" material (e.g., "synthetic rubber", "synthetic fabric") for clarity and precision.

Common error

Avoid using "synthetic" as a generic term when describing the quality or authenticity of abstract concepts. Reserve it for tangible items or processes.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "synthetic" typically functions as a pre-modifying adjective, describing a noun by indicating its artificial or man-made origin. Ludwig confirms its use in various contexts, such as "synthetic biology" or "synthetic drugs".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

32%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "synthetic" functions as an adjective denoting artificial or man-made origins. Ludwig's AI confirms its grammatical correctness, revealing a "Very common" usage across "News & Media", "Science", and "Formal & Business" contexts. While interchangeable with terms like "artificial" or "man-made", it's crucial to avoid overgeneralization and specify the type of "synthetic" material for clarity. Common usage includes discussing "synthetic biology", "synthetic drugs", or "synthetic materials". This comprehensive analysis ensures accurate and effective use of the word in diverse writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

artificial

Focuses on the non-natural origin of the subject, emphasizing the imitation of a natural product.

man-made

Highlights the human involvement in the creation process, distancing it from natural occurrences.

manufactured

Implies production on a larger scale or industrial setting.

non-natural

Directly states the absence of a natural origin, useful when contrasting with natural products.

synthesized

Specifically indicates creation through chemical or biological processes.

imitation

Emphasizes the aspect of copying or resembling something natural.

ersatz

Suggests a lower-quality substitute, often used in a derogatory sense.

fabricated

Implies construction or assembly from various components, which may or may not be natural.

composed

Highlights the act of forming something by combining different elements.

industrial

Relates to being produced on an industrial scale, often implying a lack of naturalness.

FAQs

How can I use "synthetic" in a sentence?

Use "synthetic" to describe something artificial or man-made, such as "This jacket is made of "synthetic material"" or "Synthetic drugs can be dangerous because their composition is not always controlled".

What's the difference between "synthetic" and "artificial"?

"Synthetic" usually implies a substance created through a chemical process, while "artificial" is broader and includes anything made by humans to imitate something natural. So, a "synthetic" diamond is chemically created, while an "artificial" flower is simply a crafted imitation.

What can I say instead of "synthetic"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "artificial", "man-made", or "manufactured".

Is it correct to say "synthetic" when referring to emotions or feelings?

While less common, using "synthetic" to describe emotions or feelings implies that they are insincere or manufactured. For example, "The politician's apology seemed "synthetic" and unconvincing".