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

That proposal calls for allowing a citizen in family court to ask for a different judge without having to provide a reason.

— Sophie Lindberg, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2026
The sky-high payments could be caused by a lot of different things — buyers wanting big cars, low credit scores pushing monthly payments higher or high credit scores allowing for bigger loans.

— Cassidy Alexander, AJC.com, 24 July 2026

Definition of different

Adjective

Nolan's non-linear storytelling and minimal exposition challenge some, yet the visual grandeur and powerful performances, including Anne Hathaway's Penelope and a diverse ensemble, are undeniable.

— Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026
Following a $2 million renovation completed in 2015, the theater now hosts a diverse lineup of concerts, theatrical productions, comedy shows, and community events.

— Korrin Bishop, Southern Living, 18 July 2026

Definition of diverse

Adjective

In simple terms, each quantum gate leaves behind its own distinctive statistical fingerprint.

— Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 18 July 2026
Once a working water tower, the Malibu Water Tower House has become one of the beach city’s most distinctive homes.

— Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 18 July 2026

Definition of distinctive

Adjective

The Big Bend Sector has not experienced the high number of border crossings seen in recent years in other areas farther south along the Rio Grande or in Arizona or California, owing to the remote and challenging terrain on both sides of the border.

— ABC News, ABC News, 22 July 2026
Today, some bright spots aside, the Art Deco District’s historic commercial spine is a drab length of vacant and unkempt storefronts, smoke shops, liquor stores, fast-food outlets, cheap T-shirt emporia and other varieties of tourist trap.

— Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026