/ Dictionary / Index S synthetic detergent: Meaning and Definition of Find definitions for: synthet'ic deter'gent Pronunciation: [key] any synthetic substance, other than soap, that is an effective cleanser and functions equally well as a surface-active agent in hard or soft water. Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease. synthetic cubism synthetic division Related Content Daily Word Quiz: paradox Analogy of the Day: Today’s Analogy Spelling Bee: Today’s Spelling Bee Frequently Misspelled Words Frequently Mispronounced Words Easily Confused Words Writing & Language