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 imaginary
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 world is suddenly too bright, too loud, and slightly unreal.
—
Zeba Blay, SELF, 21 Apr. 2026
Hearing that familiar voice echo across the set blurred the line between character and performer in a way that felt almost unreal.
—Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 18 Apr. 2026
The other key hallmark of Dark Star is its unreal speed—Magnée is off the charts with some tempos coming in at a death rattle of 240 bpms.
—Selena Fragassi, SPIN, 14 Apr. 2026
This and the other two villas are truly unreal.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unreal
Zeba Blay, SELF, 21 Apr. 2026
Hearing that familiar voice echo across the set blurred the line between character and performer in a way that felt almost unreal.
—Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 18 Apr. 2026
The other key hallmark of Dark Star is its unreal speed—Magnée is off the charts with some tempos coming in at a death rattle of 240 bpms.
—Selena Fragassi, SPIN, 14 Apr. 2026
This and the other two villas are truly unreal.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unreal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unreal
Adjective
-
Unfortunately, in life, there are few greater certainties than eventual statistical regression to the mean; the Broncos are primed for it, after winning an absurd amount of one-score games.—
Parker Gabriel,
Denver Post,
15 May 2026
-
The Daily Show making fun of two absurd AI start-ups designed by losers to cater to a loser clientele.—
Bethy Squires,
Vulture,
15 May 2026
Adjective
-
Gaiman works like The Sandman and American Gods have served as inviting gateways to imaginary worlds for multiple generations of readers and viewers.—
Keith Phipps,
Vulture,
13 May 2026
-
By that time Dame Frances had established the idea of theaters of memory—imaginary architectural structures, replete with columns and alcoves and windows, where items can be placed for later recollection.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
13 May 2026
Adjective
-
That is pretty bizarre, given how fantastic both atmospheres have been throughout the playoffs.—
Matthew Fairburn,
New York Times,
17 May 2026
-
Rather than representing a bizarre evolutionary innovation unique to salamanders, regeneration may actually reflect an ancient trait that many vertebrates once possessed more broadly.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2026
Adjective
-
Paul Dano is spin doctor and adviser Vadim Baranov, a fictitious character loosely inspired by real-life Russian politician Vladislav Surkov.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
15 May 2026
-
That was a role model of a fictitious kind.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2026
Adjective
-
Let’s face it, life is full of foolish decisions.—
Jay Weissberg,
Variety,
14 May 2026
-
Trump previously said his administration would have been foolish not to accept it.—
Trevor Hughes,
USA Today,
8 May 2026
Adjective
-
The series, which is set in the fictional county of Rutshire, England, follows an intense rivalry.—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
15 May 2026
-
The fictional character was highly logical, possessed great inner strength, exhibited loyalty, kept his emotions in check, and otherwise showcased admirable qualities.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2026
Adjective
-
In any other historical period, proposing such a career trajectory would’ve seemed mildly insane — like if Peter Buck had followed up Fables of the Reconstruction by producing Whitney Houston instead of the Feelies.—
Jon Dolan,
Rolling Stone,
14 May 2026
-
For so much of the season, Rachel is low-key stoned, which can keep her at a remove, even when things are getting really insane.—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
14 May 2026
Adjective
-
Opened in 2020, the museum features interactive exhibits dedicated to the mythical sea creature.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
14 May 2026
-
Loosely based on the legends of the Nang Mai, Thailand’s mythical forest nymphs, the film is scripted by Patrick Graham, the writer behind Netflix’s Indian horror series Ghoul and Betaal, based on a concept by Songsak Mongkolthong (Graveyard Horror), who is also attached to direct.—
Liz Shackleton,
Deadline,
13 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unreal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unreal. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
