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View synonyms for synergistic

synergistic

[ sin-er-jis-tik ]

adjective

  1. pertaining to, characteristic of, or resembling synergy:

    a synergistic effect.

  2. Chemistry, Pharmacology, Physiology. acting as a synergist; producing synergism; interacting.
  3. Theology. of or relating to theological synergism or synergists.


synergistic

/ ˌsɪnəˈdʒɪstɪk; ˌsɪnəˈdʒɛtɪk /

adjective

  1. acting together
  2. (of people, groups, or companies) working together in a creative, innovative, and productive manner
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Derived Forms

  • ˌsynerˈgistically, adverb
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Other Words From

  • syn·er·gis·ti·cal·ly adverb
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Word History and Origins

Origin of synergistic1

First recorded in 1810–20; synerg(ism) or synerg(ist) + -istic
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Word History and Origins

Origin of synergistic1

C17: from Greek sunergētikos, from syn- + -ergētikos, from ergon work; see energy
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Example Sentences

As seen on Jan. 6, and in Charlottesville, Buffalo, El Paso, Pittsburgh, and many other places across America, this mix is synergistic and highly combustible.

From Salon

The observed clinical benefits stem from the synergistic effect of these two therapies.

Overall, the present results underscore the importance of halogen bonds in the photoinduced dynamics, offering a better understanding of the synergistic spin transition.

But there has been little action from corporations, which have a synergistic relationship with the schools where they recruit employees.

The court ordered a new trial, arguing that the “synergistic effect of these errors was not harmless.”

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More About Synergistic

What does synergistic mean?

Synergistic is used to describe things that produce, result from, or otherwise involve synergy. The word synergy refers to when an interaction of elements produces an effect that is greater than the effect that would have resulted from simply adding up the effects of each individual element.

In other words, synergy is what happens when a combination of things produces an effect or result that is said to be “greater than the sum of its parts.”

When you combine things—chemicals, ingredients, people—you often expect these things to interact in a certain way based on what has been included. But when something extra happens, something greater, this is synergy. Describing something as synergistic implies that the magic is in the combination, as opposed to in the individual elements themselves.

Synergistic can be used to describe a combination that produces such an effect or things that work together in this way. It’s often used generally to describe things that work well together. A food critic might say that a particular dish is delicious due to its synergistic mixture of ingredients. A synergistic approach is one that incorporates different elements or groups to work together.

Synergy is also used in a more specific way in the context of medicine to refer to the cooperation of multiple body parts, such as muscles or nerves. It can also refer to the interaction of drugs or other stimuli. The things that cooperate in this way can be called synergists and their actions or effects can be described as synergistic.

Less common synonyms for synergistic include synergic and synergetic.

Example: The synergistic cooperation between these departments has led to great success.

Where does synergistic come from?

The first records of the word synergistic come from the early 1800s. It ultimately comes from the Greek synerg(ós), meaning “working together,” from syn-, “together,” and érg(on), “work.” The root érg(on) is also the basis of words like energy and ergonomics. The suffix -istic is used to form adjectives.

Synergistic is usually used in the context of things or people working together in a special, almost magical way. It can be used in all kinds of contexts. Describing something as synergistic often means that it has an intangible quality that’s produced by a combination that is said to be “greater than the sum of its parts.”

Did you know … ?

What are some other forms of synergistic?

  • synergistically (adverb)
  • synergy (noun)

What are some synonyms for synergistic?

What are some words that share a root or word element with synergistic

What are some words that often get used in discussing synergistic?

 

 

How is synergistic used in real life?

Synergistic is typically used in a positive way in the discussion of things or people coming together to produce something great.

Try using synergistic!

Which of the following words is LEAST likely to be used to describe an effect that is said to be synergistic?

A. unsuccessful

B. magical

C. productive

D. effective

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