extraordinary

adjective

ik-ˈstrȯr-də-ˌner-ē How to pronounce extraordinary (audio)
Definition of extraordinarynext
1
as in unusual
being out of the ordinary the marine is being cited for extraordinary courage

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in uncommon
noticeably different from what is generally found or experienced no one noticed anything extraordinary about the airline passenger

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 extraordinary Chinese companies have studied SpaceX’s achievements in extraordinary detail, and many of their strategic priorities reflect lessons learned from the American company. — Rainer Zitelmann, Fortune, 2 July 2026 Within the extraordinary images, Chalamet is shadowed by geometric forms, moving through a landscape seemingly suspended between ancient civilization and science fiction. — Lara Johnson-Wheeler, Vogue, 3 July 2026 Climate change linked to fossil fuel use set the stage for extraordinary heat and humidity that has cast at least one World Cup game into ​a potential danger zone, according to the World Weather Attribution group of climate ‌scientists. — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 3 July 2026 Matt Perry, General Manager of Conservation and Anti-Poaching, whose leadership helps guide the long-term stewardship of this extraordinary landscape. — Sherry McAllister, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for extraordinary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for extraordinary
  1. unusual
  2. uncommon
  3. exceptional
  4. strange
  5. unique
  6. funny
  7. rare
  8. weird
Adjective
  • Although his adoption listing didn't mention his unusual paws, his foster mom did.
    — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026
  • Indeed, that has led to the highly unusual situation of Australia not being the defending champions in either women’s World Cup, with India holding the 50-over title and New Zealand the T20 crown.
    — Paul Newman, New York Times, 5 July 2026
Definition of unusual
Adjective
  • An inconclusive ballistics result is not uncommon, as the analysis depends on the size and condition of the bullet fragments recovered.
    — Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
  • This trend reflects companies' need to expand and contract rapidly, prompting landlords to prebuild and furnish spaces, a practice uncommon just five years ago.
    — Jeffrey Steele, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
Definition of uncommon
Adjective
  • Just down the road, Beefbar at Hotel Lou Pinet offers a relaxed ambiance and exceptional dishes.
    — Karli Poliziani, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 July 2026
  • Read More TopicsTaylor Swift Vogue Weddings An all-access invitation to the exceptional and inspirational, plus planning tips and advice.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 4 July 2026
Definition of exceptional
Adjective
  • Others may miss the warmth of a person who can read the room, handle a strange request or help when something goes wrong.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
  • Canada coach Jesse Marsch gives strange interview after Morocco World Cup loss.
    — Alex Connor, USA Today, 5 July 2026
Definition of strange
Adjective
  • These efforts are intended to validate the unique aspects of its underground deployment strategy before commercial operation.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 8 July 2026
  • Head to the shop near the Duomo to watch the artisans at work and buy a unique piece.
    — Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2026
Definition of unique
Adjective
  • Watching improv is reliably funny because performers work without a script.
    — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2026
  • But figuring out how to do all that while being funny at the same time?
    — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 30 June 2026
Definition of funny
Adjective
  • Ireland Ireland offers a rare cross-generational appeal, where estate activities and rugged landscapes make for an ideal family itinerary.
    — Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • Thieves stole $25,000 worth of rare Pokémon cards after breaking into an Eagan, Minnesota, claw machine arcade last weekend, employees said.
    — Jason Rantala, CBS News, 1 July 2026
Definition of rare
Adjective
  • As the two form a close bond, Laila discovers there's some weird business going on within the house that threatens both of them.
    — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • Confessions kicked off one of the weirdest eras in a career that has never been stingy with weirdness.
    — Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 3 July 2026
Definition of weird

Browse Nearby Words

extraordinariness
extraordinary
extrapolate
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Extraordinary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extraordinary. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on extraordinary

Nglish: Translation of extraordinary for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of gambol

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
hangman letters and game
Hangman Lightning Round Figure out which word fits in the blanks.
See All