1
as in uncommon
noticeably different from what is generally found or experienced
we found some unusual shells by the high-tide mark while combing the beach
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in extraordinary
being out of the ordinary
the famously arrogant actor accepted his award with unusual grace and humility
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unusual
About Charlotte’s immigration numbers But the larger number of non-citizens in comparison to naturalized immigrants isn’t unusual for the region.
—
Charlotte Observer, 29 Jan. 2026
This is an unusual if not unique form of ambition, and Orlean illustrates it vividly.
—Lily Meyer, The Atlantic, 29 Jan. 2026
Given the unusual end to the episode, there wasn’t even a final guess from panelists Robin Thicke, Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg, Ken Jeong and Rita Ora.
—Michael Schneider, Variety, 29 Jan. 2026
Thousands of voters turned out early in the special election runoff for a Fort Worth area state Senate district, despite ice, snow and unusual timing.
—Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unusual
Charlotte Observer, 29 Jan. 2026
This is an unusual if not unique form of ambition, and Orlean illustrates it vividly.
—Lily Meyer, The Atlantic, 29 Jan. 2026
Given the unusual end to the episode, there wasn’t even a final guess from panelists Robin Thicke, Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg, Ken Jeong and Rita Ora.
—Michael Schneider, Variety, 29 Jan. 2026
Thousands of voters turned out early in the special election runoff for a Fort Worth area state Senate district, despite ice, snow and unusual timing.
—Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unusual
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unusual
Adjective
-
Snow, ice, and especially strong crosswinds can make driving unpredictable, and whiteouts aren’t uncommon during storms.—
Staff Report,
Hartford Courant,
24 Jan. 2026
-
This combination of growth and capital returns is uncommon in tech hardware.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
23 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The evening brought together chefs, civic leaders, business innovators, artists and community advocates to honor renewal, rebuild momentum and remind Angelenos what makes the city extraordinary.—
Michelle Edgar,
Daily News,
27 Jan. 2026
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The contest aims to highlight extraordinary moments from beneath the surface that usually go unseen.—
Leslie Katz,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The choice of Olivier Boscagli at left-back at Fulham, for example, a contributing factor in Chukwueze’s equaliser, was strange.—
Andy Naylor,
New York Times,
28 Jan. 2026
-
In a dispatch from Minneapolis, chaun webster considers the strange familiarity of ICE and the limits of our language.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
But Denver will face a unique challenge on the other side of the ball.—
Matt Schooley,
CBS News,
25 Jan. 2026
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Then, Sky went for the double knees in the corner, Morgan avoided, and hit Perez with a unique spinning crucifix bomb pin that nearly won Judgment Day the match.—
Blake Oestriecher,
Forbes.com,
25 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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His sharp, funny, and unexpectedly comforting voice makes the book a joy to read and turns what could feel grim into something liberating.—
Jasna Hodžić,
Big Think,
29 Jan. 2026
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Roy Keane is clearly a very funny character who everyone is scared of… Then Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville are just absolutely filled with football.—
Tim Spiers,
New York Times,
28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The ship offers a rare opportunity to follow in the footsteps of historic polar explorers, paired with refined design, exceptional cuisine and a strong scientific mission.—
Laura Begley Bloom,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
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At Old Trafford a fortnight earlier in the third round of the FA Cup, the game management of Kostoulas was exceptional in helping to protect a 2-1 lead as a late substitute.—
Andy Naylor,
New York Times,
28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
There’s a weird kind of rigor that results from going through something that many times.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
27 Jan. 2026
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The Emmy-winning host ended last season with a telethon auctioning off weird memorabilia from previous episodes of the show.—
Peter White,
Deadline,
26 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Engineers can simulate rare or dangerous situations safely.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
28 Jan. 2026
-
So rare as to be rarely let go.—
James Horncastle,
New York Times,
28 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unusual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unusual. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.
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