nature

noun

ˈnā-chər How to pronounce nature (audio)
Definition of naturenext
1
as in self
the set of qualities that makes a person, a group of people, or a thing different from others it was the grotesque nature of his stories that made them a challenge to get published in mainstream magazines her nature was such that lying was never an option for her the stoic nature of that family enables them to endure one calamity after another

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in wilderness
that part of the physical world that is removed from human habitation needed to get out of the office and back to nature in order to clear his head

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in kind
a number of persons or things that are grouped together because they have something in common group together anything round: buttons, lids, coins, and other things of that nature

Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in disposition
one's characteristic attitude or mood a boy of a quiet and shy nature

Synonyms & Similar Words
5
as in essence
the quality or qualities that make a thing what it is some artists maintain that color, light, and shadow are the very nature of painting

Synonyms & Similar Words
6
as in universe
the whole body of things observed or assumed the belief that all of nature is controlled by an unseen Supreme Being

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word nature distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of nature are character, description, kind, sort, and type. While all these words mean "a number of individuals thought of as a group because of a common quality or qualities," nature may imply inherent, essential resemblance rather than obvious or superficial likenesses.

two problems of a similar nature

Where would character be a reasonable alternative to nature?

Although the words character and nature have much in common, character implies a group marked by distinctive likenesses peculiar to the type.

research on the subject so far has been of an elementary character

When is it sensible to use description instead of nature?

The synonyms description and nature are sometimes interchangeable, but description implies a group marked by agreement in all details belonging to a type as described or defined.

not all acts of that description are actually illegal

When can kind be used instead of nature?

In some situations, the words kind and nature are roughly equivalent. However, kind may suggest natural grouping.

a zoo seemingly having animals of every kind

When would sort be a good substitute for nature?

While the synonyms sort and nature are close in meaning, sort often suggests some disparagement.

the sort of newspaper dealing in sensational stories

In what contexts can type take the place of nature?

The words type and nature are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, type may suggest strong and clearly marked similarity throughout the items included so that each is typical of the group.

one of three basic body types

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of nature Growing concerns about the risk-free nature of U.S. Treasurys have emerged as the aggressive tariff policies raise fears of inflationary pressures and potential fiscal strain. —Tony Zhang, CNBC, 9 Apr. 2025 But each man struggles to remain in the light as the dark sides of their respective natures fight to be released. —ArsTechnica, 8 Apr. 2025 This best-selling midi dress from Madewell is fitted with billowing balloon sleeves that evoke the breezy, carefree nature of the season, while the cool black and white dotted print is a bold choice that breaks up the not-so-groundbreaking florals of the season. —Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 8 Apr. 2025 The PJs are made with 95 percent viscose from bamboo, a fabric known for its soft, breathable nature. —Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 30 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for nature
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nature
  1. self
  2. wilderness
  3. kind
  4. disposition
  5. essence
  6. universe
  7. personality
  8. temperament
Noun
  • Christina Ricci is calling the fashion police on her younger self.
    — Lauren Huff, EW.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Here, 19 Forbes Coaches Council members share strategies introverted leaders can use to effectively manage teams while remaining their authentic selves.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of self
Noun
  • The division between who wants to be rescued and who wants to stay in the wilderness also gets bigger.
    — Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The plan for the night was to film the climactic scene where Dr. Leo Marvin (Dreyfuss) takes Bob Wiley (Murray) into the wilderness and straps 20 pounds of explosives to his chest in a last-ditch attempt to finally remove the patient from his life.
    — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of wilderness
Noun
  • The study, believed to be the first of its kind, was published in Prehospital and Disaster Medicine by a team at Oklahoma State University (OSU).
    — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Wednesday's jury award marks one of the largest of its kind since the advent of the #MeToo movement, as well as in New York state history, said attorney Brad Beckworth, of the law firm Nix Patterson LLP, in an interview.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of kind
Noun
  • Helping students develop tools and dispositions for critically evaluating media is more important than ever.
    — David Nurenberg, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
  • The agency finally approved the company’s marketing of tests to determine genetic dispositions to 10 health conditions, including Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and certain blood clotting disorders, in 2017.
    — Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2025
Definition of disposition
Noun
  • That, in essence, is Thibodeau’s basketball religion: Selfless basketball rooted in read-and-react execution.
    — Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 6 Apr. 2025
  • In essence, Hoyer’s fate is likely tied to the Tucker acquisition.
    — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of essence
Noun
  • The women in the Beatles’ universe played a major role in the group’s personal and musical journey: A constellation of girlfriends, wives, trysts, and exes influenced each band member, their songs, and the band’s direction.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 3 Apr. 2025
  • The reason for Canada’s anti-American (anti-Gilead, but that’s a distinction without a difference in the show’s universe, and maybe ours) sentiment in season five is almost the opposite of what’s driving Canadian fans to boo our national anthem at sporting events.
    — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of universe
Noun
  • According to his website, Greenspan, an author, television personality, and co-founder of New School American Cheese, has received recognition for his work since the early 2000s.
    — Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Peter Schrager, the NFL insider and TV personality, is leaving Fox Sports and NFL Network with ESPN the leading candidate to be his next destination, sources briefed on the move told The Athletic.
    — Andrew Marchand, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of personality
Noun
  • Åberg’s management team wanted to find the perfect caddie — experienced, with the right temperament — to pair with its client, an uber-talented rookie learning how to be a pro.
    — Brody Miller, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Lago, the incumbent mayor who prides himself on his responsiveness to residents and sustainability initiatives, has faced scrutiny for his temperament, as well as his former ties to a controversial developer.
    — Tess Riski, Miami Herald, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of temperament

Phrases Containing nature

Browse Nearby Words

naturals
nature
natures
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Cite this Entry

“Nature.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nature. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on nature

Nglish: Translation of nature for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about nature

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