ATYPICAL Synonyms: 96 Similar and Opposite Words

atypical

adjective

(ˌ)ā-ˈti-pi-kəl

Definition of atypical

as in unusual

being out of the ordinary the postal service delivered the package with atypical speed

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in abnormal

departing from some accepted standard of what is normal since that's an atypical response for an infant, you might want to have her hearing tested

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 atypical Mainoo’s unique but atypical skill set gives Carrick a degree of wiggle room when constructing the midfield. — Carl Anka, New York Times, 9 July 2026 In studies, the marigolds were transformed to a concentrated state atypical of most gardens. — Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 6 July 2026 Prosecutors chose to put the case before a grand jury to charge it, an atypical move for county court. — Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2026 As for the other big names, Scheffler had an atypical roller coaster of a round. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for atypical

Recent Examples of Synonyms for atypical

Adjective

Ultimately, both sides are jockeying for power after the war, given the unusual uncertainty brought on by the change in the supreme leadership.

— ABC News, ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026
Some reported magnetic order, unusual Hall effects, and efficient spin-charge conversion, while others found no evidence of magnetism in bulk crystals or relaxed thin films.

— Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of unusual

Adjective

For the 18-year-old, who was diagnosed with the congenital heart condition Wolff-Parkinson-White at 15 years old, the episode wasn’t abnormal.

— Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 30 July 2026
Follow-up care at the now-familiar UCSF confirmed severe precancerous dysplasia, or abnormal cells that, if left untreated, could develop into cancer.

— Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 30 July 2026

Definition of abnormal

Adjective

The challenge before us is serious, but the promise of American higher education remains extraordinary.

— Daniel Diermeier, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Today’s leading model will eventually be replaced, and capabilities that seem extraordinary now will become familiar.

— Brent Saunders, Fortune, 31 July 2026

Definition of extraordinary

Adjective

The PlayStation Move Motion controllers put the power in your hands and give you the freedom to control every move in-game without the unnatural feeling of a traditional controller.

— BestReviews, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2026
This is a standard procedure for unnatural deaths in Jackson County, not necessarily an indication that a crime was committed or is suspected.

— James Powel, USA Today, 22 July 2026

Definition of unnatural

Adjective

The exceptional duration is the result of a precise combination of celestial mechanics.

— Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
There are normally no checks at borders between members of the EU’s internal Schengen Area, though they can be introduced for a limited time in exceptional circumstances.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 31 July 2026

Definition of exceptional

Adjective

The Duchess of Sussex and Cookie Queens director Alysa Nahmias sat down for a Q&A session after the film, and, in photos from the event, eagle-eyed fans noticed a unique-looking ring on Meghan’s middle finger.

— Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 4 Aug. 2026
As past and present echo through the mountains, human encroachment and indifference threaten to erase their unique spirit, and his story becomes a reflection of an age-old, unequal struggle.

— Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of unique

Adjective

The infield prospect went 4 for -5 with four singles, also committing a rare double-error at third base.

— CBS News, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
The proposal, approved during a rare summer special session, would place before voters in November a constitutional amendment that clarifies how Maryland‘s congressional districts are drawn.

— Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of rare

Adjective

Severe deficiency is uncommon, but nutrition experts say chronically low intake can signal a dietary gap worth addressing.

— Lauren Manaker MS, Health, 31 July 2026
Cases of rabies in pets, such as horses, dogs and cats, are uncommon because many pet owners vaccinate their animals against rabies, according to the California Department of Public Health.

— Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 31 July 2026

Definition of uncommon

Browse Nearby Words

atwitter

atypical

atypically

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Atypical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/atypical. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of atypical

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on atypical

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

invidious

Popular in Grammar & Usage

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Aug. 7

How long is a jiffy?

Popular

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

Games & Quizzes