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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 Sony recently called for research partnerships that focus on richer joint designs and more flexible structures, noting that many machines move in rigid and unnatural ways. Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2025 This was due to publications like Solly Zuckerman’s The Social Life of Monkeys and Apes, based partly on observations of baboons housed in unnatural and stressful London zoos. Rj MacKenzie, Popular Science, 28 Aug. 2025 With tensions already flaring, a nightmarish encounter with a mysterious, unnatural force threatens to corrupt their lives, their love, and their flesh. Billie Melissa, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Aug. 2025 Later that night, the brothers return with Dougal supporting Colum, as his leg is twisted in an unnatural way. Lincee Ray Published, EW.com, 15 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unnatural
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unnatural
Adjective
  • According to the Cleveland Clinic, Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that can trigger unexpected seizures, caused by temporary abnormal electrical conditions in the brain.
    Meredith Kile, People.com, 1 Sep. 2025
  • Not an abnormal deviation from traditional Israeli-Palestinian dynamics but their culmination.
    Hussein Agha, New Yorker, 22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Though the former couple remained close in the years after their separation, their relationship allegedly became strained when Simon stopped paying for their children’s school and medical fees following a change on his tax return.
    Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 9 Sep. 2025
  • In contrast to Bella’s strained relationship with Coverley, her bond with her father was effortless.
    Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Representatives for James have called the fraud claims made against her politically motivated and false.
    Robert Faturechi, ProPublica, 6 Sep. 2025
  • On the next play, Taylor was called for a false-start penalty.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The conversations, of course, were mock for journalistic purposes.
    Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
  • The piping adds an athletic flair to the mock-neck sweater and sweatpant set, and small slits on the front of the hems add extra interest.
    Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 1 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Just a straight, artificial line.
    Jillian Sederholm, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Sep. 2025
  • On Wall Street, Friday’s heaviest weight on the stock market was Nvidia, the chip company that’s become the face of the artificial-intelligence boom.
    Stan Choe, Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The money would provide for beginning mechanical removal of the algae mass in the most problematic areas and setting up test areas for the effectiveness of algicides, Miller said.
    Keith Matheny, Freep.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • And while ultrasound techniques can modulate the activity of neurons by delivering gentle mechanical pulses that influence how cells send signals, current systems have struggled to reach deeper areas of the brain with sufficient precision—until now.
    Hannah Millington, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The Federal Trade Commission issued an alert earlier in 2025 to encourage parents to talk to their children about the risks associated with responding to a fake text.
    Susan Tompor, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2025
  • To make Reen feel comfortable and truly welcomed, Long’s entire extended family wore fake tattoo sleeves to the reunion.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The actress stepped out in New York City wearing a pair of retro-inspired, deep blue flare jeans with exaggerated bell hems.
    Jamie Allison Sanders, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Wrangler Retro High-Rise Trumpet Flare Jeans For a more statement-making option, try these Wrangler jeans with an exaggerated trumpet flare.
    Clara McMahon, People.com, 2 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Unnatural.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unnatural. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on unnatural

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