unnatural

adjective

ˌən-ˈna-chə-rəl How to pronounce unnatural (audio)
Definition of unnaturalnext
1
as in abnormal
departing from some accepted standard of what is normal the documentary evinces an unnatural obsession with the gruesome details of the disaster

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in strained
lacking in natural or spontaneous quality just before the debate, the candidates flashed unnatural smiles for the cameras

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word unnatural distinct from other similar adjectives?

The words anomalous and irregular are common synonyms of unnatural. While all three words mean "not conforming to rule, law, or custom," unnatural suggests what is contrary to nature or to principles or standards felt to be essential to the well-being of civilized society.

prisoners treated with unnatural cruelty

When could anomalous be used to replace unnatural?

The meanings of anomalous and unnatural largely overlap; however, anomalous implies not conforming to what might be expected because of the class or type to which it belongs or the laws that govern its existence.

her drive made her an anomalous figure in a sleepy organization

When is irregular a more appropriate choice than unnatural?

The words irregular and unnatural are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, irregular implies not conforming to a law or regulation imposed for the sake of uniformity in method, practice, or conduct.

concerned about his irregular behavior

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 unnatural Drafting in English and translating often produces stilted, unnatural messages. —Adam Mills, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025 According to Vodou, when a person experiences an unnatural, early death, priests can capture and co-opt their soul. —Tom Duszynski, The Conversation, 16 Oct. 2025 So watch the video carefully and try to catch the signs of unnatural eye movements, lip-sync issues, weird lighting, shadows and voice inconsistencies. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2025 Temporary runways tend to be sketchier to run and jump from, while makeshift throwing set-ups can feel unnatural. —Liam Tharme, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unnatural
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unnatural
  1. abnormal
  2. strained
  3. false
  4. mock
  5. artificial
  6. mechanical
  7. fake
  8. exaggerated
Adjective
  • Mania of the week Ecdemomania — an abnormal compulsion to wander.
    — Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Nov. 2025
  • Just one cup of joe is associated with reduced occurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF), a common form of abnormal heartbeat that causes your heart to race and can lead to blood clots, stroke or heart failure.
    — Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 10 Nov. 2025
Definition of abnormal
Adjective
  • The data center explosion has created boom towns across the US, but strained grids and increased housing prices and energy costs.
    — Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 10 Nov. 2025
  • Judge has been working to rebuild her strained relationship with Sidney for years.
    — Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 10 Nov. 2025
Definition of strained
Adjective
  • The title-winning standard has been lower in recent years; City won it with 86, 93, 89 and 91 points between 2020-21 and 2023-24 and Liverpool with 84 points last season, but some of those totals give a false impression.
    — Oliver Kay, New York Times, 8 Nov. 2025
  • The month prior, she was sentenced to one year and nine months in prison for using marijuana while owning a firearm and making false statements about drug use, per the newspaper.
    — Christopher Rudolph, PEOPLE, 8 Nov. 2025
Definition of false
Adjective
  • What really makes the dress stand out is its chic details, which includes a structured seam around the waist, gold-tone decorative buttons, and a mock neckline.
    — Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 5 Nov. 2025
  • The eye-rolling, groaning, mock-despair brings the group together.
    — Big Think, Big Think, 5 Nov. 2025
Definition of mock
Adjective
  • Tests in both artificial and real human saliva produced the same result, demonstrating that the single-application ELR coating could recreate enamel and withstand real-world impacts.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 5 Nov. 2025
  • The artificial plateau made from earth, with connecting causeways, canals and corridors, was built in southeastern Mexico 3,050 years ago and used for around 300 years.
    — Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 5 Nov. 2025
Definition of artificial
Adjective
  • Driving through deep water can also affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 10 Nov. 2025
  • Analysts also point out that the global supply of key components such as DRAM chips for consumer electronics, NAND flash chips for SSDs, and mechanical hard drives has all been constrained by the voracious demand from AI data centers.
    — , CNBC, 10 Nov. 2025
Definition of mechanical
Adjective
  • Punter Sean West — whose long 24-yard heave on a fake punt outgained every quarterback on the roster.
    — Ira Gorawara, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Green expertly applies fake eyelashes, thick foundation and a dessert brown eye look, while Messina goes to work piling tight curls atop my head.
    — Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 9 Nov. 2025
Definition of fake
Adjective
  • An investigation by the United Kingdom’s Information Commissioner found that the company’s claims about its predictive model were exaggerated and ineffective, according to The Associated Press.
    — David Smiley, Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Plus, the boot – which comes in DM’s Yellow, Black, and DM’s Olive colorways – use the brand’s Ben sole with an exaggerated tread which is paired with a SoftWair insole.
    — Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 6 Nov. 2025
Definition of exaggerated

Browse Nearby Words

unnamed
unnatural
unnaturally
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Cite this Entry

“Unnatural.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unnatural. Accessed 17 Nov. 2025.

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