How to Use Synthesis Plural (Explained, With Examples)

Is synthesis singular or plural?

What’s with the word synthesis, and why does it behave the way it does from its singular to plural form? Keep reading.

• Synthesis (pronounced SIN-thuh-siss)is singular.

• Syntheses (pronounced sin·thuh·seaz) is plural.

The meaning of synthesis

The Merriam-Webster defines the word synthesis as “the composition or combination of parts or elements so as to form a whole.”

What’s the plural of synthesis?

The plural of synthesis (i.e., syntheses), is irregular. While it ends in –es as a plural (and, in this sense, follows the regular plural noun form), it does so by replacing its suffix as a singular noun. This is unusual in English grammar. Typically, to form a plural, you would add the -es/-s: books, phones, dogs and cats all form a plural by adding an s to demonstrate plurality. It’s an easy, simple, and straightforward way to form a plural noun—just add the s.

This rule of pluralization doesn’t work in the case of synthesis, hypothesis, thesis, synopsis, crisis, oasis,  diagnosis (the list goes on). Each of these nouns/words were introduced to Modern English from the Greek; “a synthesis,” comes from Greek Greek synthesis “composition, a putting together,” from syntithenai “put together, combine,” from syn- “together”. These irregular, Greek words all modify the same way from singular to plural. See the chart below.

English's Greek Plural (ending in -sis & -ses)

Example sentences: synthesis & syntheses

Quotes from the media & literature

Analysis and synthesis are expected to occur within the expanded talk as well as the abbreviated talk.

Deduction is synthesis when it is progressive from real ground to consequence.

For Marx..the manner of synthesis depends..upon the shifts and realignments of human interests in time.

M. Berthelot..made the first successful attempt to perform organic syntheses. On Fermentation, 1876

Synonyms & nearby words