Synthesizer

/ˈsɪn.θəˌsaɪ.zɚ/ noun

noun ·Rare ·Advanced level

Meaning at a glance

  • Primary sense: An electronic musical instrument that creates its sounds with electronics and generally is played via a keyboard.
  • Grammar: synthesizer is listed as noun.
  • Nearest alternatives: electronic instrument, moog, music device, polyphone.
  • Useful contrasts: acoustic instrument, analyser, analyzers.
  • Usage evidence: The mod wheel is broken on this synthesizer, but the pitch bend still works.

How to use "synthesizer"

  1. Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
  2. Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "synthesizer" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
  3. Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.

Meaning check

  • Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
  • Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
  • Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
  • Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?

Source and review context

This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "synthesizer" in a final draft.

If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.

Before you rely on this definition

Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "synthesizer" as the right word for your sentence.

If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "synthesizer" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.

Compare nearby meanings

  • Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
  • Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
  • Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
  • Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.

Definition decision workflow

1. Identify the role

Check whether "synthesizer" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.

2. Test the nearest option

Compare it with "electronic instrument" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.

3. Confirm with context

Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.

Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.

Final meaning check

Before publishing a sentence with "synthesizer", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.

When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    An electronic musical instrument that creates its sounds with electronics and generally is played via a keyboard.
  2. 2
    (music) an electronic instrument (usually played with a keyboard) that generates and modifies sounds electronically and can imitate a variety of other musical instruments wordnet
  3. 3
    An electronic instrument consisting of a module, or a set of modules, that creates its sounds with electronics and does not have any keyboard.
  4. 4
    an intellectual who synthesizes or uses synthetic methods wordnet
  5. 5
    An electronic circuit that generates an electronic signal oscillation with accurate timing from a reference oscillator.
Show 2 more definitions
  1. 6
    An electronic device that generates electronic signal patterns to test an electronic circuit.
  2. 7
    A software program that allows a computer to be used as a musical instrument – virtual instrument

Synonyms

All synonyms
electronic instrumentmoogmusic devicepolyphonesound generatorsynthesiser

Antonyms

acoustic instrumentanalyseranalyzersnonelectronic instrument

Example

"The mod wheel is broken on this synthesizer, but the pitch bend still works."

Common questions

What does "synthesizer" mean?

An electronic musical instrument that creates its sounds with electronics and generally is played via a keyboard.

What is a synonym for "synthesizer"?

Common synonyms include: electronic instrument, moog, music device, polyphone, sound generator, synthesiser.

How do you use "synthesizer" in a sentence?

The mod wheel is broken on this synthesizer, but the pitch bend still works.

How do you pronounce "synthesizer"?

Pronounced /ˈsɪn.θəˌsaɪ.zɚ/.

Etymology

From synthesize + -er.

More for "synthesizer"