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

And while lots of eras and trades are different and dependent on the market at the time, Shaq going for just one first-round pick, even at 31, still seems unreal. — Zach Harper, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026

When the maple leaves turn red and temples or mountain areas are illuminated at night, the landscape feels almost unreal. — Shivani Vora, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026

These digital technologies have also created an echo chamber of self-confirming views, which has contributed to an unreal, simplified view of a nuanced, messy world. — Simon Sebag Montefiore, The Atlantic, 28 June 2026

The air is fresh and clean, the pace is calm, and the views are unreal. — Alexandra Emanuelli, Travel + Leisure, 28 June 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