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

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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 She's run an energetic grassroots campaign, buoyed by progressive voters inspired by her atypical political background and left-wing politics. — Clay Masters, NPR, 11 Aug. 2026 Al-Ahli released an atypical official statement questioning the officiating of one game in April. — Adrian Elimian, semafor.com, 30 July 2026 And beyond the color treatment, the sneaker also plays with premium materials and textures in a fashion that’s atypical for the 1990 retro shoe. — Riley Jones, Footwear News, 26 July 2026 The committee is considering an atypical regulatory pathway, allowing these substances to be compounded rather than going through the full, rigorous FDA approval process. — Sony Salzman, ABC News, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for atypical

Recent Examples of Synonyms for atypical

Adjective

At the recommendation of assistant director of player personnel Jason Stein, the Mets signed Yan to a two-year minor-league deal, an unusual contract for a healthy pitcher.

— Will Sammon, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
Her parents approach sexuality head on, almost with glee, which is certainly unusual for their time and place.

— Deborah Treisman, New Yorker, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of unusual

Adjective

In another trial, researchers with the UC San Diego School of Medicine and Case Western Reserve University are also analyzing blood from 84 adult participants with HIV and abnormal levels of body fat buildup.

— Yi-Jin Yu, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026
The vaccine targets abnormal proteins called neoantigens that appear on the surface of cancer cells.

— Aria Bendix, NBC news, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of abnormal

Adjective

Something extraordinary these episodes illustrate, in our view, is the vulnerability of America’s highly interconnected fresh-food supply chain, in which one grower or supplier problem can ripple astonishingly far.

— The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
Sen’s choreography extends this ancient form, adding partnering and dynamic range; her dancers, all trained under her tutelage, move with extraordinary clarity and incisiveness.

— Shauna Lyon, New Yorker, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of extraordinary

Adjective

The Jackson County District Attorney's office has previously said convening a grand jury does not mean there is any criminality and is standard procedure for most unnatural or suspicious deaths in the county.

— Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026
Decoteau was there, sipping his beautifully unnatural lemonade.

— Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of unnatural

Adjective

The exterior features unique blue accents and matching blue high-performance brake calipers.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 19 Aug. 2026
Known for unique design flair, such as the Stellar TV's concrete back mounts, Loewe seeks to establish itself in top luxury destinations, building a global lifestyle ecosystem focused on craftsmanship and innovation.

— John Archer, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of unique

Adjective

The rare albino peacock that was injured during the incident in Pasadena.

— Nicole Comstock, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
In a Texas hospital this week, doctors performed a complex, high-risk, open-heart surgery on a 6-day-old boy born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a rare congenital condition that rendered part of his heart underdeveloped.

— Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of rare

Adjective

This is uncommon compared to other mental health issues new moms face — postpartum depression, for example, is estimated to affect about 10% of mothers.

— Deborah Becker, NPR, 16 Aug. 2026
There is too much going on here for this novel to work, but Andersen is an uncommon writer, a skilled historical novelist as well as an astute cultural observer and historical interpreter.

— John Warner, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of uncommon

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atypical

atypically

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“Atypical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/atypical. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of atypical

adjective

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