synthesizer

noun

syn·​the·​siz·​er ˈsin(t)-thə-ˌsī-zər How to pronounce synthesizer (audio)
1
: one that synthesizes
an expert synthesizer of diverse views
2
: a usually computerized electronic apparatus for the production and control of sound (as for producing music)

Examples of synthesizer in a Sentence

The band used a synthesizer for the drumbeat.
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.
The overlap comes partly from the gear used at the time, including drum machines like the Roland TR-808, and a new generation of synthesizers that came to define the era across genres. — Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 12 Aug. 2026 The first electronic speech machines, called synthesizers, were built in the 1930s. — Tam Nguyen, The Conversation, 10 Aug. 2026 Some produce more conventional results like synthesizers, while others harness vintage Furby toys to surreally serenade listeners. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 6 Aug. 2026 His robust, under-appreciated score is composed with droning synthesizer undercurrents, old-fashioned action adventure fanfares, and intense rapid-fire tracks punctuated by brass exclamations and roaring percussion. — Jeff Spry, Space.com, 27 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for synthesizer

Word History

First Known Use

1869, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of synthesizer was in 1869

Rhymes for synthesizer

See All Rhymes for synthesizer

Browse Nearby Words

synthesize
synthesizer
synthetase
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Synthesizer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/synthesizer. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

synthesizer

noun
syn·​the·​siz·​er -ˌsī-zər How to pronounce synthesizer (audio)
1
: one that synthesizes
2
: a computer-controlled device that creates and modifies sound (as for producing music)

More from Merriam-Webster on synthesizer

Nglish: Translation of synthesizer for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of divulge

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

How to Pronounce the Trickiest Menu Items

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Why do we 'bury the lede?'
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
image of a green cube out of place in a lineup of red spheres
Odd Word Out: Synonyms Vol. 2 Quiz Figure out which word isn't like the others.
See All