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

For those familiar with the book or movie, the musical brings a different experience to the familiar story.

— Dillon Thomas, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
A lot of the issues revolved around who exactly represented Diomandé at different times of his career, with legal cases slowing down proceedings.

— Ben Church, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of different

Adjective

Johnson County, with Iowa City and its teeming suburbs, and Scott County's economically diverse cities of Davenport and Bettendorf help make the district among the most competitive in the country.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026
While some may argue our city should reach higher, the entertainment offered by minor-league baseball would serve a more diverse community; see, for example, the Orlando Solar Bears minor-league hockey team.

— Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of diverse

Adjective

These colleagues have a distinctive feel for news in their hometown.

— Scott Lebar, Sacbee.com, 22 Aug. 2026
Or even last summer when their response to the magic of Bilbao was to become Best Practice FC again, and hope that Thomas Frank could replicate the distinctive culture of Brentford in N17.

— Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of distinctive

Adjective

But thanks to Chris Mundy’s Lanterns, that initial promise of empowering creatives to bring their own distinct voices to the DCU has now been realized beyond dispute.

— Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 19 Aug. 2026
Both West Coast indie presses are forging distinct, commercially viable paths outside the traditional New York publishing bubble.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of distinct

Adjective

People can lose weight because of cancer, heart disease and other illnesses.

— Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026
Among other packaging tweaks, the 3-ounce and 8-ounce mists, as well as the 8-ounce wash, now use custom bottles that were developed specifically for this line.

— Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 26 Aug. 2026