UNLIKE Synonyms: 52 Similar and Opposite Words

unlike

adjective

ˌən-ˈlīk

Definition of unlike

as in different

being not of the same kind you're trying to compare very unlike things—like those proverbial apples and oranges

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 unlike Or the move could have been to help the calf stay afloat—unlike adults, young sperm whales tend to sink and need to swim harder to reach the surface to breathe. — Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 26 Mar. 2026 Extreme cold is especially dangerous for donkeys because unlike horses, donkeys don’t have the natural oils in their coats that repel moisture, Vargas said. — Elissa Jorgensen, Dallas Morning News, 26 Jan. 2026 What’s more, plastic—unlike glass and aluminum—loses its functionality when it’s recycled. — Judith Enck, Time, 1 Dec. 2025 But unlike diamonds, where the molecular structure is extremely compact, Robson’s material contained a huge number of large cavities, suggesting this could lead to the creation of new materials. — Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unlike

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unlike

Adjective

The system administrator should have different capabilities than a patrol officer.

— Irene Wright, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2026
Chaparral features interchangeable cargo pods, enabling operators to adapt the aircraft for different missions without altering its core platform.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of different

Adjective

This reframes California's economic health, highlighting a vibrant, diverse entrepreneurial spirit that continues to shine.

— Lisa Curtis, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
But a new study has found reliable evidence that this formative process involved more diverse species also making the transition.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of diverse

Adjective

These challenging conditions are precisely what make a summer off-road safari such a distinctive way to experience Iceland’s rugged interior.

— Gwen Nicol, Travel + Leisure, 29 Aug. 2026
Meghna Gulzar has a very distinctive voice and an ability to approach difficult subjects with both restraint and intensity.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of distinctive

Adjective

Transplants of muscle stem cells are a promising avenue for research, having distinct advantages over other tissues in their ability to encourage the growth of new blood vessels and limitations on rapid growth.

— Mike McRae September 02, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026
Meanwhile, active adult rental has begun to emerge as a distinct property type.

— Nia Bowers, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of distinct

Adjective

Yes, Minteh and Sarr both operate on the right and buying one of them arguably would have provided a better balance to Iraola’s attacking department given that his other wide players prefer the left flank.

— James Pearce, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
That happened again when the five other conservatives – but not Roberts and the three liberals − said the administration could slash hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of health research funding.

— Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026