Definition of unnaturalnext
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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 What people fail to realize, Harding said, is that the office is an investigative body that plays a role in uncovering the cause of unnatural deaths and also protecting the public. Shannon Tyler march 6, Idaho Statesman, 6 Mar. 2026 The film is fiercely feminist, a little punk, more than a bit surreal, leaning much heavier on absurdist romance than horror and, ultimately, an unnatural force of nature. Mark Meszoros, Boston Herald, 5 Mar. 2026 Nothing is forced or unnatural. José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 4 Mar. 2026 When forty children remained quiet for an extended period, the world took on an eerie quality—natural or unnatural, who could say, but glorious all the same. Yiyun Li, New Yorker, 1 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unnatural
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unnatural
Adjective
  • Crews from the city of Escondido found no abnormal readings indicating toxic fumes and air-quality monitoring did not indicate any health risks.
    Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Mar. 2026
  • Computer accessories and tech equipment, for instance, are experiencing abnormal cost increases compared with averages in recent years.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 14 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • In a rare public tirade against a member of their ranks, leaders insisted that Orbán must respect the 27-nation bloc's decision in December to fund Ukraine's armed forces and strained economy for the next two years.
    LORNE COOK, Arkansas Online, 20 Mar. 2026
  • Quentin Grimes scored 27 points as the 76ers ended a five-game road losing streak and won for the fourth time in their last six games playing without their two biggest stars — Joel Embiid (strained right oblique) and Tyrese Maxey (finger).
    ABC News, ABC News, 20 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The problem is that such inferences are often wildly speculative and will almost certainly lead to false convictions or arrests.
    Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 20 Mar. 2026
  • The defendants and company executives allegedly prepared false documents and communications to show that the company was the end user of the servers.
    Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 20 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • This mock draft has edge rushers off the board with the second, third and fourth selections.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 17 Mar. 2026
  • Fast forward through a remote interview, an in-person interview and a mock assignment, and Manaois had landed the job.
    Sarah Jackson, CNBC, 17 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • For kayaks and stand-up paddle boarding, visit Nootka Kayak on Playa de las Anquines, an artificial beach that offers great conditions for both.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Mar. 2026
  • Last month, Musk’s SpaceX bought his artificial-intelligence company, xAI, which had previously acquired X.
    Todd Spangler, Variety, 21 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Driving through deep water can also negatively affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 22 Mar. 2026
  • These materials reflect the efficiency of natural systems while offering exceptional mechanical and functional properties for industrial use.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 21 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The difference between a real deadline, imposed for legitimate reasons from without, and a fake one, conjured from within, is like the difference between eating brunch and seeing it on Instagram.
    Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 20 Mar. 2026
  • Later, O’Brien touted a fake company tasked with reformatting movies for smaller and smaller handheld devices, but the joke missed the mark.
    Peter Tonguette, The Washington Examiner, 20 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Some of the best looks of the night featured a dramatic silhouette, from Misty Copeland's exaggerated shoulders to the voluminous mermaid skirt on Rose Byrne's ballgown.
    Anna Moeslein, Glamour, 15 Mar. 2026
  • For her nomination for The Substance, Demi Moore opted for a custom Giorgio Armani Privé gown with crystal embroidery, an exaggerated hip, and long train.
    Kevin Huynh, InStyle, 15 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Unnatural.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unnatural. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026.

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