EXTRAORDINARY Synonyms: 75 Similar and Opposite Words

extraordinary

adjective

ik-ˈstrȯr-də-ˌner-ē

Definition of extraordinary

as in unusual

being out of the ordinary the marine is being cited for extraordinary courage

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Their rise through the English football pyramid has been extraordinary, taking them from the National League to the Championship. — Dean Jones, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026 The film succeeds not only as an examination of the extraordinary quandary facing the couple but also simply as a compelling wartime drama featuring excellent performances from the two leads, who are, like most of the cast, non-professional actors. — Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 13 Aug. 2026 At its greatest point, totality will last an extraordinary 6 minutes and 23 seconds — more than twice as long as many other total solar eclipses. — Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 13 Aug. 2026 Our long-term commitment is to build on that foundation, compete at the highest level, and serve this extraordinary team, its fans, and the city of Los Angeles. — Austin Turner, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for extraordinary

Recent Examples of Synonyms for extraordinary

Adjective

The conflict played out under the watchful eye of Johnson’s senior adviser, Jason Lee — an unusual involvement for a high-ranking mayoral staffer, given that the $8 million grant is administered by a separate department.

— Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 9 Aug. 2026
Guerrero’s struggles have been particularly noticeable, creating an unusual disconnect between his superstar status and his production.

— Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of unusual

Adjective

Performance reviews under the CZMA are not uncommon — most states are subject to a routine review every five to 10 years — but what’s unusual in this case is that California had just undergone a review during the Biden administration.

— Rosanna Xia, Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 2026
But nobody can prove how uncommon, because the ones that arrive with a gag order never appear in anybody’s count.

— Michael Leone, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of uncommon

Adjective

Investigators later ruled out trains and power lines as possible causes — and traced the fire’s point of origin to the same spot Child witnessed the man’s strange behavior.

— Cindy Von Quednow, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026
And Dad actually makes an uncredited vocal cameo on one of the album’s more blessedly strange tracks.

— Chris Willman, Variety, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of strange

Adjective

This unique account type has a variable rate that will be more responsive to market conditions, unlike the CD which will hold until the maturity date arrives.

— Matt Richardson, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
Ganos said the 97 carts are also unique because of their perfect condition, that much like comic books or sports cards, often sell higher.

— ABC News, ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of unique

Adjective

Sarcasm is an interesting thing because it can be viewed by some people as funny and other people as hurtful.

— Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 12 Aug. 2026
A little bit funny, a lot cheesy and completely, unabashedly earnest, her Liz is — like moms everywhere — at once a perfectly ordinary woman and the center of the universe.

— Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of funny

Adjective

These falcons and other birds of prey were once rare in the region, with their population even reaching zero at one point.

— Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
Although postpartum psychosis is rare, Leistikow said, families can take steps to prepare, particularly if the mother has a history of mental illness.

— Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of rare

Browse Nearby Words

extraordinariness

extraordinary

extrapolate

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Style

“Extraordinary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extraordinary. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of extraordinary

adjective

Example Sentences

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