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Synonym Chooser

How is the word unnatural distinct from other similar adjectives?

The words anomalous and irregular are common synonyms of unnatural. While all three words mean "not conforming to rule, law, or custom," unnatural suggests what is contrary to nature or to principles or standards felt to be essential to the well-being of civilized society.

prisoners treated with unnatural cruelty

When could anomalous be used to replace unnatural?

The meanings of anomalous and unnatural largely overlap; however, anomalous implies not conforming to what might be expected because of the class or type to which it belongs or the laws that govern its existence.

her drive made her an anomalous figure in a sleepy organization

When is irregular a more appropriate choice than unnatural?

The words irregular and unnatural are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, irregular implies not conforming to a law or regulation imposed for the sake of uniformity in method, practice, or conduct.

concerned about his irregular behavior

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 unnatural In an alternative '90s, dark waters from the underground scientific facility have risen to flood the town and deliver a menagerie of natural and unnatural nightmares. Jeff Spry, Space.com, 11 Apr. 2025 In this type of thinking, the desire to be alone is seen as unnatural and unhealthy, something to be pitied or feared rather than valued or encouraged. Virginia Thomas, The Conversation, 4 Apr. 2025 Rodeos are built on animal exploitation and involve forcing animals into confusing, unnatural and painful situations for human amusement. U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Mar. 2025 The binary categorization served as a tool to vilify some foreigners as unnatural immigrants and justify their exclusion. Made By History, Time, 26 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unnatural
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unnatural
Adjective
  • The thing is, there are normal technologies that lead to abnormal impacts.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
  • Some patients with dysphonia feel that their abnormal voice issues affect their relationships and their ability to perform their job or take on leadership or public-facing roles.
    Indu Subramanian, The Conversation, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • Burns had a strained relationship with his own father, and the Salarnos took him in as one of their own.
    Gabriella Demirdjian, CBS News, 2 May 2025
  • Text messages sent in the hours leading up to O’Keefe’s death read aloud to the court by a Massachusetts state trooper show the couple were at a strained point in their relationship.
    Michael Loria, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Uncanny valley is a term for a reason: The brain can only take so much false information that’s appears to be real.
    Kate Aurthur, Variety, 5 May 2025
  • Comments Steve Burns understands first-hand the detrimental impact online rumors and false narratives can have on public figures.
    Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 2 May 2025
Adjective
  • Some mock drafts had the Steelers taking a running back like Omarion Hampton in the first round.
    Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Lucky for us, Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz dives right into that dicey proposition with his very, very early look at the players who could be prominent figures in mock drafts to come.
    Jim Reineking, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • From factory employees in China stringing lights on artificial trees to dock workers unloading containers of toys, this vast labor force ensures Americans can choose from a wide selection of decorations and gifts each December.
    Zeyi Yang, Wired News, 28 Apr. 2025
  • The Real Cost of Making Things Hard When companies add artificial friction, they: CEO: C-suite news, analysis, and advice for top decision makers right to your inbox.
    Roger Dooley, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Driving through deep water can also damage a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Traditional mechanical recycling can't handle this mess; DePoly’s low-cost, low-energy chemical process can.
    Marianne Lehnis, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • With digital platforms flooded with bots and fake numbers, Kerns built his following and client base by offering true engagement, authority, and working systems.
    Rhiannon Frater, USA Today, 1 May 2025
  • Still, teens could easily circumvent the companies’ youth safety measures by signing up with a fake birthdate, the researchers said.
    Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Misleading claims or exaggerated job benefits could backfire and lead to reputational damage.
    Anthony Milewski, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Each thing serves as the cartoonishly exaggerated marker of an identity: berserker populist patriot, effete rich man, savvy dealmaker.
    Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 26 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Unnatural.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unnatural. Accessed 11 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on unnatural

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