What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
plastic
Example
The toy was made of plastic. [plastic: noun]
Example
She had plastic surgery to enhance her appearance. [plastic: adjective]
synthetic
Example
The jacket was made of synthetic fibers. [synthetic: adjective]
Example
The company produces synthetic diamonds for industrial use. [synthetic: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Plastic is a more common word than synthetic in everyday language, as it is a versatile material that is used in many different contexts. Synthetic is a more specialized term that is often used in the context of fabrics and materials.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between plastic and synthetic?
Synthetic is generally considered to be a more formal word than plastic, as it is often used in technical or scientific contexts. However, both words can be used in both formal and informal contexts depending on the context and tone of the conversation.
