1
as in absurd
conceived or made without regard for reason or reality
an unreal claim that is distant from the slightest hint of truth
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in mythic
not real and existing only in the imagination
the unreal world of TV sitcoms
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 unreal
The Antigua and Barbuda Culinary month and the energy surrounding it, is just one example of how one small place can create a powerful, reverberating experience that goes well beyond those unreal sunsets and too beautiful blue waters.
—
Kristin L. Wolfe, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
Epic Universe Ride Guide: New park rides ranked from tame to super scary
Check out our Epic Universe reviews of the new theme park’s 11 ride experiences, including Harry Potter, Stardust Racers, Mine-Cart Madness and Hiccup’s Wing Gliders, which place guests in some unreal environments.
—Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 June 2025
Either way, the speed and fluidity are unreal—looks incredibly natural!
—Thomas Westerholm, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025
Your support has been unreal all season… — Alex Rodriguez (@AROD) May 29, 2025
The season came to a disappointing end in a 4-1 series loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference finals, but these Timberwolves have redefined what qualifies as disappointment.
—Jon Krawczynski, New York Times, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for unreal
Kristin L. Wolfe, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
Epic Universe Ride Guide: New park rides ranked from tame to super scary
Check out our Epic Universe reviews of the new theme park’s 11 ride experiences, including Harry Potter, Stardust Racers, Mine-Cart Madness and Hiccup’s Wing Gliders, which place guests in some unreal environments.
—Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 June 2025
Either way, the speed and fluidity are unreal—looks incredibly natural!
—Thomas Westerholm, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025
Your support has been unreal all season… — Alex Rodriguez (@AROD) May 29, 2025
The season came to a disappointing end in a 4-1 series loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference finals, but these Timberwolves have redefined what qualifies as disappointment.
—Jon Krawczynski, New York Times, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for unreal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unreal
Adjective
-
From the vantage point of 2025, this appears as absurd as suggesting that women’s soccer matches should be 70 minutes instead of 90, the same as in the men’s game.—
Charlie Eccleshare,
New York Times,
12 July 2025
-
The French super powerhouse has taken teams part since winning the UEFA Champions League crown on May 24, outscoring its foes by an absurd 21-1 margin.—
Michael Lewis,
Forbes.com,
12 July 2025
Adjective
-
Some 40 of these bizarre, geochemically-active sub-Neptunes are currently being studied observationally.—
Bruce Dorminey,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
-
As a result of a bizarre last-minute decision, the nominees in two Emmys categories will be announced Tuesday morning on CBS nearly four hours ahead of the TV Academy’s official nominations announcement, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.—
Beatrice Verhoeven,
HollywoodReporter,
14 July 2025
Adjective
-
An adoption of a fictitious docudrama style, where scenarios are created for the show’s cast, brought in more subpar episodes which many feel didn’t help the cause.—
Kevin Dolak,
HollywoodReporter,
22 July 2025
-
Unsurprisingly, then, scammers are also keen to exploit this by way of fictitious job opportunities through unofficial channels, websites, emails, and text messages.—
Davey Winder,
Forbes.com,
19 July 2025
Adjective
-
The Marlins would be foolish to trade away an ace with affordable team control at his lowest value ever.—
Zach Pressnell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 July 2025
-
Schulman’s characters make enough foolish and self-indulgent choices to fill a volume twice the size of this slim one.—
Book Marks
July 11,
Literary Hub,
11 July 2025
Adjective
-
Is all this merely a sci-fi imaginary consideration?—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
19 July 2025
-
And yes, it will be displayed, but mercifully, not in an imaginary basement.—
Ana Gutierrez,
Austin American Statesman,
18 July 2025
Adjective
-
Amanda learned in like 10 seconds, which is insane.—
Scott Roxborough,
The Hollywood Reporter,
24 Mar. 2025
-
If 51% of the population is being so underserved, the ratio to opportunity is insane.—
Gemma Allen,
Forbes,
23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Its mythical story left an indelible mark on my mind.—
Noel Burgess,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
-
Opened in 2020, the museum features interactive exhibits dedicated to the mythical sea creature.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
13 July 2025
Adjective
-
The story centers around a die-hard musical theater fan who plays his favorite (fictional) 1920s musical on his record player, bringing the show to life within his apartment.—
Rebecca Rubin,
Variety,
14 July 2025
-
The employees of Dunder Mifflin Paper Co.'s Scranton, Pennsylvania, office were filmed for nine seasons by a fictional documentary crew, a plot point that became extremely important in the series' final season.—
Kelly Lawler,
USA Today,
12 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unreal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unreal. Accessed 26 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share