unnatural

adjective

un·nat·u·ral | \ ˌən-ˈna-chə-rəl

, -ˈnach-rəl\

Definition of unnatural

1 : not being in accordance with nature or consistent with a normal course of events

2a : not being in accordance with normal human feelings or behavior : perverse

b : lacking ease and naturalness : contrived her manner was forced and unnatural

c : inconsistent with what is reasonable or expected an unnatural alliance

Other Words from unnatural Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about unnatural

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Other Words from unnatural

unnaturally \ ˌən-ˈna-chə-rə-lē

, -ˈnach-rə- , -ˈna-chər- \ adverb

unnaturalness \ ˌən-ˈna-chə-rəl-nəs

, -ˈnach-rəl- \ noun

Choose the Right Synonym for unnatural

irregular, anomalous, unnatural mean not conforming to rule, law, or custom. irregular implies not conforming to a law or regulation imposed for the sake of uniformity in method, practice, or conduct. concerned about his irregular behavior anomalous implies not conforming to what might be expected because of the class or type to which it belongs or the laws that govern its existence. her drive made her an anomalous figure in a sleepy organization unnatural suggests what is contrary to nature or to principles or standards felt to be essential to the well-being of civilized society. prisoners treated with unnatural cruelty

Examples of unnatural in a Sentence

It seems unnatural to keep the bird in a cage. She has an unnatural obsession with money. Her smile looked forced and unnatural.

Recent Examples on the Web

The plan, known as the Horned Cow Initiative, was championed by Mr. Capaul, a 67-year-old organic farmer who argued that the dehorning process—which involves burning off horns with a hot iron—was unnatural and painful. — Brian Blackstone, WSJ, "Swiss Voters to Cows: We Won’t Pay for You to Keep Your Horns," 25 Nov. 2018 The essence of Camp is its love of the unnatural: of artifice and exaggeration. — Avery Matera, Teen Vogue, "Met Gala 2019 Theme: Everything You Need to Know About "Camp: Notes on Fashion"," 11 Oct. 2018 Upon application to the cheeks, it was highly pigmented and a bit unnatural, but after a few moments, the color seemingly seeped into my skin, blending perfectly under a layer of powdered foundation. — Teen Vogue, "Five Teen Vogue Editors Tried Milk Makeup’s New Glow Oil — Here’s What We Thought," 17 May 2019 This curatorial angle, emphasizing Af Klint’s innovation rather than her evolution, feels unnatural and impatient. — Lance Esplund, WSJ, "‘Hilma af Klint: Paintings for the Future’ Review: Modernism’s Missing Link?," 13 Oct. 2018 This has allowed forests in the western United States to build up to an unnatural density, which increases the fuel available to burn. — Umair Irfan, Vox, "Ryan Zinke blamed environmentalists for California’s massive wildfires. Again.," 21 Nov. 2018 That shape keeps curls from looking too perfect and unnatural. — Jessica Teich, USA TODAY, "The best hair styling tools of 2018," 1 May 2018 Carrie's narration sounds clichéd, Samantha's dialogue feels unnatural and Charlotte is just plain tiresome. — Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, "20 years later, 'Sex and the City' has aged badly (except for one key episode)," 5 June 2018 Don’t tan outdoors or in a tanning booth Whether intentional or a mere result of spending too much time outside in the sun (sans sunscreen), having a real tan can cause your spray tan to look unnatural. — Jenn Sinrich, SELF, "11 Things to Avoid Doing Right Before Getting a Spray Tan," 10 Dec. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'unnatural.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.