UNNATURAL Synonyms: 172 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

unnatural

adjective

ˌən-ˈna-chə-rəl

Definition of unnatural

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

as in strained

lacking in natural or spontaneous quality just before the debate, the candidates flashed unnatural smiles for the cameras

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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 Another ensemble member is juggling nearby as someone spins in a giant hoop at an unnatural speed. — Jenelle Riley, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026 Why the dead girl’s computer glows with an unnatural brightness whenever the lights turn off? — David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 10 Sep. 2026 When my husband comes home and stands in front of the refrigerator stuffed with bags of mulberry leaves, his face takes on an unnatural look. — Jonathan Flint, Harpers Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026 Berry shunned the unnatural world whenever, and however possible. — ABC News, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unnatural

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unnatural

Adjective

According to MedlinePlus, normal pressure hydrocephalus is an abnormal or excessive buildup of cerebrospinal fluid around the brain, which can impact brain function, cause walking or gait changes, or incontinence.

— ABC News, ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026
About one in 10 screening mammograms come back abnormal, but roughly 90% of those findings turn out to be benign.

— Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of abnormal

Adjective

Raman’s tendency to rethink her policy decisions has also contributed to her strained relations with her council colleagues, nearly all of whom are backing the mayor’s reelection bid.

— David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026
French bond woes Yields on French government bonds have surged to multiyear highs in recent days, as the country's mounting debt crisis fuels wider concerns about Europe's strained public finances.

— Hugh Leask, CNBC, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of strained

Adjective

Screening mammograms miss about one in eight breast cancers overall, and people with dense breasts are more likely to get false-negative results, the American Cancer Society reports.

— Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 14 Oct. 2026
Overall, screening mammograms miss about one in eight breast cancers, and people with dense breasts are more likely to get false-negative results.

— Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of false

Adjective

Carson and Guillermo stepped onto the dance floor with sunglasses and A-list celebrity swagger as flashes from mock photographers filled the introduction.

— Michael Saponara, Billboard, 7 Oct. 2026
In another thread, Strong’s Zuckerberg twitches with irritation through mock congressional hearings, with a PR team headed by crisis management specialist Raya (Wunmi Mosaku), whose task is to make the Facebook CEO likable.

— David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of mock

Adjective

The series also leans on some corny, dad-style humor that further underscores its artificial nature.

— Britta Miller, The Washington Examiner, 14 Oct. 2026
The authors believe their own work will eventually find similar medical and microfluidic applications, such as for artificial pumps.

— Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of artificial

Adjective

Related Stories Speaking at View Conference in Turin on Thursday, Hickel, who recently marked 30 years at ILM, detailed how the team mixed digital animation with physical sets, mechanical rigs and traditional stop-motion.

— Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026
For example, changes in contact forces could indicate whether a screw has engaged correctly, while audio cues could help identify when a mechanical latch has clicked into place.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of mechanical

Adjective

Feathers, synthetic hair and translucent organza were worked into exaggerated silhouettes, alongside insect-like décolletés, feline pantaboots, moss-green leather and cheetah-print effects.

— Amy Francombe, Vogue, 9 Oct. 2026
Osita Nwanevu explains why the rumors of literacy’s death have been greatly exaggerated.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of exaggerated

Adjective

When Lee gets to the visitation window, there’s a fake Mekko sitting across from him.

— Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2026
The fake image was attention-grabbing, shady, and timely — in other words, perfect for social media virality but a potential liability for the parties involved.

— Mia Sato, The Verge, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of fake

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unnatural

unnaturally

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“Unnatural.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unnatural. Accessed 16 Oct. 2026.

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