unwonted

adjective

ˌən-ˈwȯn-təd How to pronounce unwonted (audio)
Definition of unwontednext
as in unusual
being out of the ordinary honored for the unwonted courage he showed in battle

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of unwonted Batson posed a follow-up question about the uncertainty principle, politely requesting a reply without unwonted nonsense about bananas. — Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026 As in most wars, the most onerous burden falls on those who did not sign up for their unwonted parts in this great 21st century drama. — New York Times, 1 Mar. 2021 The unwonted activism of the Christian Democratic chancellor met with skepticism in the United States, in Europe, and certainly in Russia. — Elizabeth Pond, Foreign Affairs, 1 Mar. 2015
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unwonted
  1. unusual
  2. extraordinary
  3. exceptional
  4. abnormal
  5. unique
  6. odd
  7. rare
  8. uncommon
Adjective
  • Ultimately, both sides are jockeying for power after the war, given the unusual uncertainty brought on by the change in the supreme leadership.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Some reported magnetic order, unusual Hall effects, and efficient spin-charge conversion, while others found no evidence of magnetism in bulk crystals or relaxed thin films.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of unusual
Adjective
  • The challenge before us is serious, but the promise of American higher education remains extraordinary.
    — Daniel Diermeier, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
  • Today’s leading model will eventually be replaced, and capabilities that seem extraordinary now will become familiar.
    — Brent Saunders, Fortune, 31 July 2026
Definition of extraordinary
Adjective
  • The exceptional duration is the result of a precise combination of celestial mechanics.
    — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • There are normally no checks at borders between members of the EU’s internal Schengen Area, though they can be introduced for a limited time in exceptional circumstances.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 31 July 2026
Definition of exceptional
Adjective
  • Combine this wanderlust with increasingly abnormal weather patterns and rapidly warming ocean waters, and sightings of these tropical birds can increase.
    — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Wild week Mize did not acknowledge how abnormal the past six or seven days have been until he was asked about it a couple times following last night’s game.
    — Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of abnormal
Adjective
  • The Duchess of Sussex and Cookie Queens director Alysa Nahmias sat down for a Q&A session after the film, and, in photos from the event, eagle-eyed fans noticed a unique-looking ring on Meghan’s middle finger.
    — Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 4 Aug. 2026
  • As past and present echo through the mountains, human encroachment and indifference threaten to erase their unique spirit, and his story becomes a reflection of an age-old, unequal struggle.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of unique
Adjective
  • Couples from Copenhagen enjoying a sunny weekend away, as well as the odd tourist.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Aug. 2026
  • When the leagues decided to increase inter-league play, Houston moved because the odd-team out problem was no longer valid.
    — Chuck Murr, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of odd
Adjective
  • The infield prospect went 4 for -5 with four singles, also committing a rare double-error at third base.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The proposal, approved during a rare summer special session, would place before voters in November a constitutional amendment that clarifies how Maryland‘s congressional districts are drawn.
    — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of rare
Adjective
  • Severe deficiency is uncommon, but nutrition experts say chronically low intake can signal a dietary gap worth addressing.
    — Lauren Manaker MS, Health, 31 July 2026
  • Cases of rabies in pets, such as horses, dogs and cats, are uncommon because many pet owners vaccinate their animals against rabies, according to the California Department of Public Health.
    — Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 31 July 2026
Definition of uncommon

Browse Nearby Words

unwomanly
unwonted
unworkable
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Cite this Entry

“Unwonted.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unwonted. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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