Meaning "separation of a whole into its parts," analysis is the antonym (opposite) of synthesis ("putting together"): "This is an analysis of the campaign for mayor." "The synthesis of cadmium acetate is accomplished by the interaction of acetic acid and cadmium oxide." Both analysis and synthesis are overused for the words study, examination, and consideration. Few persons other than laboratory scientists normally engage in either analysis or synthesis. Corresponding verbs, analyze and synthesize, are also often used inexactly. Noun plurals are analyses and syntheses, with the last e in each having the sound of ea in easy.
Dictionary of problem words and expressions. Harry Shaw. 1975.