1. The process of producing a chemical compound (usually by the union of simpler chemical compounds)
   "The synthesis of complex molecules is a key part of pharmaceutical research"
    
2. The combination of ideas into a complex whole
   "The interdisciplinary approach required synthesis to integrate concepts from multiple fields";
   - synthetic thinking
    
3. Reasoning from the general to the particular (or from cause to effect)
   "Her synthesis of the available evidence led to a breakthrough";
   - deduction, deductive reasoning

Derived forms: syntheses

Type of: abstract thought, chemical action, chemical change, chemical process, logical thinking, reasoning

Antonym: analysis

Encyclopedia: Synthesis