1
as in mysterious
being beyond one's powers to know, understand, or explain
a number of uncanny parallels in the lives of the twins who had been separated at birth
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in superhuman
being so extraordinary or abnormal as to suggest powers which violate the laws of nature
an uncanny gift for knowing when someone, no matter how distant, needed help
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in eerie
fearfully and mysteriously strange or fantastic
uncanny and unexpected shadows along the mountainsides
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 uncanny
Brooker turns what would otherwise be a dark comedy sketch into an astute depiction of public opinion’s changing tides, and the uncanny speed with which the unthinkable enters the realm of the acceptable.
—
Charles Bramesco, Vulture, 10 Apr. 2025
Even though this is your homecoming, the atmosphere is uncomfortable and uncanny.
—Jennifer Wilson, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2025
Unrealistic human avatars that resemble a real person do not necessarily fall into the uncanny valley, as a case study by Henriette C. Van Vugt et al. shows.
—Victor Erukhimov, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
Sienna Miller and her daughter Marlowe made a rare appearance together at Savannah Miller’s Bridal Ballerina Breakfast, and the resemblance between the two is uncanny.
—Nicol Natale, People.com, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for uncanny
Charles Bramesco, Vulture, 10 Apr. 2025
Even though this is your homecoming, the atmosphere is uncomfortable and uncanny.
—Jennifer Wilson, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2025
Unrealistic human avatars that resemble a real person do not necessarily fall into the uncanny valley, as a case study by Henriette C. Van Vugt et al. shows.
—Victor Erukhimov, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
Sienna Miller and her daughter Marlowe made a rare appearance together at Savannah Miller’s Bridal Ballerina Breakfast, and the resemblance between the two is uncanny.
—Nicol Natale, People.com, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for uncanny
Recent Examples of Synonyms for uncanny
Adjective
-
Some people are already well aware of Norse Atlantic, despite the company’s somewhat mysterious profile.—
Michael Goldstein,
Forbes.com,
21 Apr. 2025
-
Nathan Carman died by suicide in his jail cell in 2023 as the prime suspect in his mother’s mysterious 2016 drowning death at sea — and in the 2013 shooting death of his wealthy grandfather.—
KC Baker,
People.com,
20 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
In the comics, Hawkgirl is a fierce warrior with superhuman strength, an arsenal of medieval weapons and enormous wings.—
Robert Ito,
New York Times,
14 Apr. 2025
-
Ava continues to spiral as Deborah’s superhuman pettiness derails the rest of her workday.—
Jessica M. Goldstein,
Vulture,
11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Speaking of eerie dramas, Nicole Kidman is reprising her role for Season 2 of Hulu’s thriller, Nine Perfect Strangers, arriving on May 22.—
Monica Mercuri,
Forbes.com,
1 May 2025
-
Some jumped out of street corners to greet you with a quest and an eerie smile.—
Jamal Michel,
New York Times,
29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
When an old acquaintance is murdered, leaving behind a cryptic message to ‘find the accountant,’ Wolff is compelled to solve the case.—
Tim Lammers,
Forbes.com,
25 Apr. 2025
-
Despite the cryptic message, many fans figured out where to find the singer and showed up in droves, forcing Lorde to initially cancel her appearance.—
Maya Georgi,
Rolling Stone,
24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
But there would be no miraculous comeback on this night in Fort Lauderdale.—
Michelle Kaufman,
Miami Herald,
1 May 2025
-
From Moscow’s vantage point, the past three months have been miraculous: Putin can now envision a path to win the war in Ukraine, a possibility that did not exist three months ago because the United States was blocking its way.—
Eric Green,
Time,
30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The director also discussed his approach to specific technical elements, including a haunting, silent earthquake scene that was designed not to trigger audiences who had experienced actual seismic events.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
15 Mar. 2025
-
Dennis Quaid is set to mark a haunting role in his filmography: Playing a serial killer.—
Vincent Perella,
IndieWire,
10 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
According to Nutritionists By Brianna Peters In an era when nearly everything feels politicized and uncertain, these mystic tools offer something precious: a means of reconnecting with ourselves.—
Michaela Trimble,
Vogue,
21 Apr. 2025
-
In the West, she’s been sanctified, but also portrayed as a sinner, a nun, a mystic, and Jesus’ wife.—
Eliza Griswold,
New Yorker,
19 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Inevitably, given the length and nature of his absence, Bentaleb has only featured sparingly for Lille since that magical night in Rennes.—
Tom Williams,
New York Times,
21 Apr. 2025
-
The love planet will also conjunct Neptune on May 2, adding a magical, almost surreal quality to these connections.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
19 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Uncanny.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/uncanny. Accessed 4 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share