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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 With tensions already flaring – reads the log line — a nightmarish encounter with a mysterious, unnatural force threatens to corrupt their lives, their love, and their flesh. Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 3 Aug. 2025 When the kittens were initially found, their hind legs were tied in extremely unnatural positions, cutting their circulation, center staffers said last month. Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 June 2025 This unnatural divide goes back to the beginnings of medicine and dentistry. Burkhard Bilger, New Yorker, 28 July 2025 Action Step: Run your materials through a grammar checker, but always read them over yourself to catch subtle mistakes or unnatural language. Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for unnatural
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unnatural
Adjective
  • These numbers—like most of the company’s year-over-year comparisons—are not abnormal for the company at this stage.
    Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 6 Aug. 2025
  • Lewy body dementia: This type of dementia is caused by an accumulation of Lewy bodies (a type of abnormal protein deposit) in certain areas of the brain.
    Heidi Moawad, Verywell Health, 6 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Focused on expanding their notorious drug and money laundering organization outside of Detroit, their strained relationship has left the brothers divided.
    Giana Levy, Variety, 16 Aug. 2025
  • Gal Gadot is opening up for the first time about the commercial failure of Disney’s Snow White and shuts down reports of a strained relationship with co-star Rachel Zegler.
    David Caspi, HollywoodReporter, 16 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Fleeing from violence and a dark history, a man adopts a false identity looking to start over in the idyllic Canary Islands' town of Arcadia, where a new love interest could change his life — if his past doesn't come back to haunt him.
    Veronica Villafañe, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • This may seem to be an inadequate and weak response to a president and governor who are seizing control on false pretenses.
    Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • To supplement those real-life cases, providers visit simulation labs, do monthly mock scenarios, and review advanced skills, such as using an ultrasound to help guide breathing tubes into patient airways.
    Arielle Zionts. KFF Health News, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2025
  • The tin box includes a hinged plastic clear window where a small paper copy of an issue of The Daily Planet, featuring a large photo of Superboy’s canine pal Krypto on the front page with a mock story.
    Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The existing artificial waterway that ships used to cross the continent from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific, the Panama Canal, was not built at sea level on both sides.
    Shoshi Parks, Popular Science, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Ford compares the process to making an artificial Christmas tree.
    James Rogan, The Washington Examiner, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Born in 1934, the nonagenarian Kurt Klaus is one of the most important watchmakers from the golden age of 20th-century mechanical horology.
    Oren Hartov, Robb Report, 15 Aug. 2025
  • Driving through deep water can also affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • In some cases, scam victims have reached out to fraudsters on fake websites, which look legitimate, in hopes of recovering their funds.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2025
  • Trump still puts himself on fake magazine covers for validation, but some version of his celebrity and influence — and the attendant and unnerving public scrutiny — is now available to anyone who wants it.
    Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • According to the story, the tow truck driver’s removal of an ICE SUV was just a routine removal and the story of a bunch of ICE vans being stalked by tow trucks was exaggerated.
    Peter Lyon, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2025
  • In the photoshoot, Kelce presents a stereotypical (and exaggerated) embodiment of masculinity — he is dressed in full fur, construction vests and wrangles alligators.
    Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 16 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Unnatural.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unnatural. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

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