as in synthetic
produced by humans rather than natural processes pure vanilla extract that was made without any nonnatural ingredients

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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 nonnatural Much of synthetic biology involves genetic engineering to introduce networks of genes that give cells new functions, such as manufacturing enzymes to make a nonnatural molecule. Philip Ball, Scientific American, 18 Apr. 2023 The latter discipline has racked up impressive achievements in retooling cells for nonnatural tasks—for example, programming bacteria to glow in the presence of pollutants and other chemicals. Philip Ball, Scientific American, 18 Apr. 2023 Although some wildfires in California are ignited by lightning, a vast majority have nonnatural causes — sparks from electrical equipment, the heat of a lawn mower engine or, in the case of one of the state’s largest fires, a man hammering a stake into the ground. New York Times, 8 Oct. 2021 The increase in mortality has been especially stark among working-age males, with increases in death rates from alcohol, violence, and other nonnatural causes. Nicholas Gordon, Fortune, 3 Apr. 2023 Purified, nonnatural diets such as AIN-93, which contain refined, easy-to-digest ingredients, can lead to various abnormalities in lab mice that could affect experimental results, including a buildup of fat, a loss of normal intestinal bacteria, and a reduction in the size of the intestines. Mennatella Ibrahim, Science | AAAS, 17 June 2021 In several landscapes, including Lundbye’s, a distinctive nonnatural element recurs: a prehistoric stone structure of upright boulders with a capstone known as a dolmen. Holland Cotter, New York Times, 23 Mar. 2023 In the Bahamas, 27 U.S. citizens have died from nonnatural causes, including drownings, vehicle accidents and homicide, from January 2018 to June 2021, according to the most recent available State Department data. Omar Abdel-Baqui, WSJ, 9 May 2022 Only one nonnatural death of an inmate has ever been reported at the prison. Joseph Simonson, Washington Examiner, 21 Apr. 2021
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nonnatural
Adjective
  • Some supplements also use synthetic sweeteners or sugar, said Hirsch, which is important for people with diabetes to know.
    Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 11 July 2025
  • To be considered in the oils category, La Tourangelle’s pistachio oil — which won in 2025 — was required to be free of artificial or genetically modified ingredients, grown without synthetic pesticides or herbicides, and milled without heat or chemical extraction.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • While trace amounts may still be naturally present in some foods, the ban has virtually eliminated artificial trans fats.
    Brittany Poulson, People.com, 8 July 2025
  • The best sparkling water, our tasters said, should taste clean, refreshing, and should not have any metallic or artificial flavors.
    Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 7 July 2025

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“Nonnatural.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nonnatural. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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