un-American

adjective

un-Amer·​i·​can ˌən-ə-ˈmer-ə-kən How to pronounce un-American (audio)
: not American : not characteristic of or consistent with American customs, principles, or traditions

Examples of un-American in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
O'Donnell took further issue with her feeling that Hasselbeck didn't defend her against suppositions that O'Donnell was un-American for her opposition to military advances. Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Oct. 2025 In fact, this halftime show pushes back on the idea that speaking Spanish is un-American. Raquel Reichard, Refinery29, 30 Sep. 2025 That's unfathomable, that's unacceptable, that's unconscionable, and that's un-American. John Parkinson, ABC News, 30 Sep. 2025 That's not legal, that's not American, that is un-American. Edward Segarra, USA Today, 24 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for un-American

Word History

First Known Use

1818, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of un-American was in 1818

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Un-American.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/un-American. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

un-American

adjective
un-Amer·​i·​can
ˌən-ə-ˈmer-ə-kən
: not American
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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