synthesize

verb

syn·​the·​size ˈsin(t)-thə-ˌsīz 

synthesized; synthesizing

transitive verb

1

: to combine or produce by synthesis

2

: to make a synthesis of

3

: to produce (something, such as music) by an electronic synthesizer

intransitive verb

: to make a synthesis

Did you know?

Synthesize is a very common word in chemistry, since chemists are constantly synthesizing new compounds—that is, synthetic compounds—including drugs and industrial chemicals. It's also often used when talking about writing; nonfiction writers must often synthesize large amounts of material from many sources to produce a book—which represents a synthesis of the important materials. An electronic synthesizercreates new sounds (which may imitate the sounds of acoustic instruments) by generating different basic tones and then manipulating and merging them together with others.

Examples of synthesize in a Sentence

She synthesized the treatment from traditional and modern philosophies of medicine.

He synthesized old and new ideas to form his theory.

Amino acid is synthesized in the body.

Recent Examples on the Web

By synthesizing knowledge through a concept map, students can better structure information, interpret the relationships between ideas, and deepen their overall conceptual understanding. —Christopher Rim, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024

In its final installment, built around an interview with Zimbardo and a reunion of the inmates and guards, the series attempts to synthesize their divergent perspectives. —Judy Berman, TIME, 29 Nov. 2024

To synthesize amino acids, the organelles must divert molecules that would otherwise go toward making ATP, potentially reducing the cell’s production of energy. —Bymitch Leslie, science.org, 8 Nov. 2024

This will make advanced data analysis easier to enter, synthesize and evaluate new third-party data as events evolve. —Robert Clark, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Kids Definition

synthesize

verb

syn·​the·​size ˈsin(t)-thə-ˌsīz 

synthesized; synthesizing

: to combine or produce by synthesis

Medical Definition

synthesize

transitive verb

syn·​the·​size

variants also British synthesise

-ˌsīz 

synthesized also British synthesised; synthesizing also British synthesising

: to combine or produce by synthesis

synthesize penicillin