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Synonym Chooser

How is the word unnatural distinct from other similar adjectives?

The words anomalous and irregular are common synonyms of unnatural. While all three words mean "not conforming to rule, law, or custom," 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

When could anomalous be used to replace unnatural?

The meanings of anomalous and unnatural largely overlap; however, 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

When is irregular a more appropriate choice than unnatural?

The words irregular and unnatural are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of unnatural That’s because Google’s algorithms are designed to spot and penalize unnatural link patterns. Nick Zviadadze, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025 Every great defense has that type of unnatural DNA, and across the entire team, Ulbrich expressed to CNN. Hailey Hurst, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2025 While there are certainly products that can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and needs, hair products are often created with specific consumers in mind. Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 13 Aug. 2025 And yet most modern cows live in a decidedly unnatural environment. Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 11 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unnatural
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unnatural
Adjective
  • This all sounds so beautifully abnormal: this man and his family, on this journey, celebrating something in the Twin Cities that would be so pleasantly unexpected.
    Alec Lewis, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2025
  • The pregnancy had been complicated—marked by abnormal scan results; talk of possible termination; and a diagnosis of hypospadias, a congenital condition affecting the genitals.
    Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Prosecutors say that the two-year relationship between Read and O’Keefe had become strained with jealousy and significant fighting, heightened by frequent alcohol use.
    Flint McColgan, Boston Herald, 28 Aug. 2025
  • Following a meeting between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Prime Minister Modi in New Delhi last week, both sides recognized the recent improvements in their strained relationship.
    Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • As a part of the settlement, the false electors acknowledged their actions were used in an attempt to overturn an election.
    Jessie Opoien, jsonline.com, 23 Aug. 2025
  • It’s been a huge year for lashes: Brown and colored mascaras made a comeback, and people have been having fun with false lashes again.
    Sophia Panych, Allure, 22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Hall has been drafted significantly higher than Allen in mock drafts.
    Tyler Small, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025
  • Food Network hosted a group of 16 rising high school students at its headquarters in New York this week for a three-day culinary lab that culminated in a competition to pitch a new TV show concept and then a battle for which team could execute the best dishes for a mock version of the idea.
    Jennifer Maas, Variety, 22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Ford compares the process to making an artificial Christmas tree.
    James Rogan, The Washington Examiner, 14 Aug. 2025
  • So maybe that’s what the AI fathers and godfathers should be focusing on: not how to create artificial children, mothers and maternal instincts, but how to use their paternal instincts to build AI that gives way to humans, for better or worse?
    Pia Lauritzen, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Driving through deep water can also affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 28 Aug. 2025
  • These nation-wide country-goes-city celebrations of agricultural bounty, mechanical innovations and skilled handcrafts have been drawing crowds since the first fair was held in upstate New York in 1841.
    Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The Broncos lost three fumbles, committed eight penalties, gave up a TD on a fake punt, got burned by big plays and had eight straight drives end without any points.
    Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 29 Aug. 2025
  • Some of it is straight-up misinformation, like fake clips of celebrities rescuing people from the Texas floods in July.
    John Ruwitch, NPR, 28 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Trust erodes when people sense that crises are exaggerated or avoidable.
    Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025
  • By the looks of it, news of rock music’s slow and painful death under ever-widening pop hegemony is greatly exaggerated.
    Chris R. Morgan, The Washington Examiner, 22 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Unnatural.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unnatural. Accessed 2 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on unnatural

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