unreal

adjective

un·​re·​al ˌən-ˈrē(-ə)l 

: lacking in reality, substance, or genuineness : artificial, illusory

also : incredible, fantastic

Synonyms of unreal

• absurd
• bizarre
• foolish
• insane
• crazy

Examples of unreal in a Sentence

The town seemed as unreal as a movie set.

The fashion model looked unreal, like a doll.

I think it's unreal that he survived the accident.

Recent Examples on the Web

Bichler worries that even voters who know that such ads are unreal will be subtly influenced by their imagery. — Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2026

Ceramic tiles closer to the front are darker, stained with the unreal heat of piercing the atmosphere. — Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026

Because God is omnipotent, evil, the opposite of God, is unreal, a mistaken sense of reality. — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 26 Oct. 2026

As on television, Seyfried nails Holmes’s wide eyes, unsteady mannerisms, deep voice, and mysterious vocal cadence that makes the character both unreal and oddly human. — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 17 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unreal

• abele
• alkyl
• anneal
• appeal
• cartwheel
• conceal
• congeal
• coquille
• corneal
• cornmeal
• flywheel
• genteel

Kids Definition

unreal

adjective

un·​re·​al ˌən-ˈrē(-ə)l 

-ˈri(-ə)l, 

ˈən-

1

: not real, actual, or genuine : illusory

2

: fantastic sense 2