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 The plan is unlike to pass in its current form, and some environmental groups and Democrats already vow to oppose it. — Los Angeles Times, 3 Apr. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for unlike

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unlike

Adjective

Disney — also profitable — has made three rounds of layoffs in 2026 across different parts of the business.

— Todd Spangler, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026
In reality, both objects orbit the star in the same direction, just at different, changing speeds.

— Phil Plait, Scientific American, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of different

Adjective

Today a myriad of arts organizations champion wildly diverse missions.

— Leslie Pariseau, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Oct. 2026
Wendi Weston, Sacramento County program coordinator for Master Food Preservers, said cultural and local education are core aspects of the group’s work, as California’s diverse population brings a melting pot of cuisines with it.

— Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of diverse

Adjective

And yet that bright, sweet aroma is front and center in Creed Aventus, the distinctive eau de parfum widely believed to take inspiration from the French emperor’s indomitable spirit.

— Robb Report, Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026
But the show’s appeal went beyond its distinctive look, according to the exec.

— Mathew Scott, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of distinctive

Adjective

Coleman said each design has its own distinct character and can be styled individually, either as a subtle everyday detail or a sculptural statement.

— Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026
Scientists have performed cosmic genealogy on planetary systems in the Milky Way, finding two distinct families that influence the evolution and fate of these systems.

— Robert Lea, Space.com, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of distinct

Adjective

Stitt points out a photograph of Olney in a hallway near the bathroom, while recalling sharing wine with Lulu Peyraud, the beloved matriarch of the Domaine Tempier wine estate in Provence, among a collage of other French memories.

— Leslie Pariseau, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Oct. 2026
Sunday's attack occurred as the Saudis hosted a major international energy conference in Riyadh, with other high-profile events including an investment gathering on the horizon.

— SAMY MAGDY, Arkansas Online, 12 Oct. 2026