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

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

In an absolutely unreal rally following an early deficit, Ecuador has defied the odds to beat group leader Germany here in New Jersey. — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 26 June 2026

The subwoofer itself sports an eight-inch dual active driver that pumps out bone-shattering bass, and when paired with Dolby Atmos 3D support, the spatial audio sounds utterly unreal. — George Yang, PC Magazine, 26 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