synthesis

noun

syn·​the·​sis ˈsin(t)-thə-səs How to pronounce synthesis (audio)
plural syntheses ˈsin(t)-thə-ˌsēz How to pronounce synthesis (audio)
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 noun

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
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.
Boards increasingly need a comprehensive synthesis of enterprise risk, including potential unknowns that may be developing beneath the surface. David Benigson, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025 Muscle and nerve function: Magnesium is needed for some of the enzyme systems that regulate muscle and nerve function Protein production: Magnesium is needed for enzymatic reactions involved in protein synthesis. Jennifer Lefton, Ms, Rd/n, Cnsc, Fand, Verywell Health, 26 Feb. 2025 Magnesium is important for protein synthesis and muscle contraction, so maintaining optimal magnesium stores is necessary for muscle growth and strength. Jillian Kubala, Rd, Health, 25 Feb. 2025 Even genes involved in gonadal development and hormone synthesis can be found on most any chromosome, mapping to locations throughout the genome that freely recombine. Donna L. Maney, Scientific American, 18 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for synthesis

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of synthesis was in 1589

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Synthesis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/synthesis. Accessed 9 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

synthesis

noun
syn·​the·​sis ˈsin(t)-thə-səs How to pronounce synthesis (audio)
plural syntheses -thə-ˌsēz How to pronounce synthesis (audio)
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 How to pronounce synthesis (audio)
plural syntheses -ˌsēz How to pronounce synthesis (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on synthesis

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