unreal

adjective

un·​re·​al ˌən-ˈrē(-ə)l How to pronounce unreal (audio)
: lacking in reality, substance, or genuineness : artificial, illusory

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
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.
The Hulu series, which aired its finale on October 1, focuses on Knox’s perspective, even adopting elements of magical realism to depict how unreal those years of her life felt. Claudia Rosenbaum, Vulture, 3 Oct. 2025 Mitchell had an unreal breakup on a corner route versus Chris Godwin, as well as a behind-the-back defense of a go ball in the end zone against Egbuka. Derrik Klassen, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025 This Tribal Council set is unreal. Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Sep. 2025 Winocour’s intent seems to be to take the fashion world, in its slightly unreal glamour and money and power, and bring it gently down to earth and humanize it. Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 9 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unreal

Word History

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unreal was in 1605

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Cite this Entry

“Unreal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unreal. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

unreal

adjective
un·​re·​al ˌən-ˈrē(-ə)l How to pronounce unreal (audio)
-ˈri(-ə)l,
ˈən-
1
: not real, actual, or genuine : illusory
2

More from Merriam-Webster on unreal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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