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

In a recent interview, Kaplan mentioned that the Japanese-French synthesis, already so organic to their experiences, would cohere further during their travels. —Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2025

Nestled to the north of Auraria Parkway, the southwest of Speer Boulevard and the southeast of the train tracks that separate Ball Arena from Elitch Gardens, the 55-acre parcel’s future represents a potential synthesis of private profitability and public gain. —Bennett Durando, The Denver Post, 5 Jan. 2025

Zinc is an essential mineral in immune system health, protein and DNA synthesis, and healthy growth.1 Magnesium, another essential mineral, similarly affects protein and DNA production and how your muscles and nerves function. —Laura Dorwart, Verywell Health, 3 Jan. 2025

Alcohol interferes with muscle protein synthesis and sleep quality, both which don’t contribute to an ideal workout recovery. —Audrey Noble, Vogue, 30 Dec. 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