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.
Ciudad Valles The Mexican state of San Luis Potosí is famous for its seemingly unreal, cerulean blue waterfalls. Sarah Buder, AFAR Media, 8 Oct. 2025 Sixta said this validation from her school community felt unreal in the best way. Ilana Arougheti updated October 7, Kansas City Star, 7 Oct. 2025 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 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unreal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unreal. Accessed 18 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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