synthesis

noun

syn·​the·​sis ˈsin(t)-thə-səs 

plural syntheses ˈsin(t)-thə-ˌsēz 

1

a

: the composition or combination of parts or elements so as to form a whole

b

: the production of a substance by the union of chemical elements, groups, or simpler compounds or by the degradation of a complex compound

c

: the combining of often diverse conceptions into a coherent whole

also : the complex so formed

2

a

: deductive reasoning

b

: the dialectic combination of thesis and antithesis into a higher stage of truth

3

: the frequent and systematic use of inflected forms as a characteristic device of a language

synthesist

ˈsin(t)-thə-sist 

noun

Synonyms

• admixture
• alloy
• amalgam
• amalgamation
• blend
• cocktail
• combination
• composite
• compound
• conflation
• emulsion
• fusion
• intermixture
• meld
• mix
• mixture

Examples of synthesis in a Sentence

a philosophy that is a kind of synthesis of several schools of Western and Eastern thought

Recent Examples on the Web

All of the photos are a fascinating synthesis of Goya’s chiaroscuro, the Pictures Generation’s representational imagery, and Da Corte’s own winking nods to pop culture. —Juliet Izon, Architectural Digest, 24 Sep. 2024

In fact, Runway is currently the defendant in a class-action lawsuit that alleges copyright infringement for using video data obtained without permission to train its video synthesis models. —Benj Edwards, Ars Technica, 18 Sep. 2024

Manganese is involved in immune function, bone formation, and blood clotting, while copper is required for red blood cell formation, growth, energy production, neurotransmitter synthesis, and more. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 2 Sep. 2024

John Kerry lost to the incumbent President, George W. Bush, a few months later; the most resonant surviving image of that night in Boston is of the talented Black newcomer, softening America’s warring cultural archetypes in search of a new synthesis. —Vinson Cunningham, The New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Greek, from syntithenai to put together, from syn- + tithenai to put, place — more at do

First Known Use

1589, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing synthesis

• synthesis gas

Kids Definition

synthesis

noun

syn·​the·​sis ˈsin(t)-thə-səs 

plural syntheses -thə-ˌsēz 

1

: the combination of parts or elements so as to form a whole

especially : the production of a substance by union of chemically simpler substances

2

a

: the combining of often very different ideas into an ordered whole

b

: the product so formed

Medical Definition

synthesis

noun

syn·​the·​sis ˈsin(t)-thə-səs 

plural syntheses -ˌsēz 

1

: the composition or combination of parts or elements so as to form a whole

2

: the production of a substance by the union of chemical elements, groups, or simpler compounds or by the degradation of a complex compound

protein synthesis