unusual

adjective

un·​usu·​al ˌən-ˈyü-zhə-wəl How to pronounce unusual (audio)
-zhəl;
-ˈyüzh-wəl
Synonyms of unusualnext
: not usual: as
a
: not normal or typical
It's unusual for him to work this late.
b
: different or strange in a way that attracts attention
an unusual design
c
: uncommon, rare
saw an unusual flower while hiking
d
: extraordinary sense 1, remarkable
a scholar of unusual ability
unusually adverb
unusualness noun

Examples of unusual in a Sentence

It's not unusual for him to stay late at work. a scene of unusual beauty She has an unusual name.
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 first tinkling notes mimicked the pre‑concert bell that ushered the audience to their seats—an unusual start that elicited a giggle from the crowd. Literary Hub, 6 May 2026 What may have seemed unusual to others quickly made perfect sense within the rhythm of their own lives. Staff Author, PEOPLE, 6 May 2026 Late season snow in Colorado's mountains is not unusual. N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 6 May 2026 This is characterized by unusual or bad odors and flavors resulting from lipid oxidation. Ayesha Gulzar, Verywell Health, 6 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for unusual

Word History

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unusual was in 1579

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unusual.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unusual. Accessed 9 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

unusual

adjective
un·​usu·​al ˌən-ˈyüzh-(ə-)wəl How to pronounce unusual (audio)
-ˈyü-zhəl
: not usual : uncommon, rare
unusually
adverb
unusualness noun

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