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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 A week ago, TikTok birthed a strange meme, proposing that the big hat that Zendaya wore back in 2014 during the Teen Vogue Young Hollywood Party contained something unnatural. Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025 The fairway, once groomed to unnatural perfection, is now overgrown with tall grass and wildflowers. Stephanie Hanes, Christian Science Monitor, 5 May 2025 Members of Pavement take part in these events, interacting with the actors who play them, attending the exhibit with an odd and unnatural sense of nostalgic wonder, and participating in a post-screening Q. & A., moderated by the real-life film programmer Jake Perlin. Richard Brody, New Yorker, 1 May 2025 Rosamund Pike is a new villain in the franchise and thus given prominent placement standing upside down like an unnatural vampire. Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 29 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unnatural
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unnatural
Adjective
  • According to the Cleveland Clinic, SADS is a heart condition where an abnormal heart rhythm affects the heart’s electrical system, causing sudden death.
    Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 16 May 2025
  • Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that causes abnormal inflammation around hair follicles, leading to excessive hair loss.
    Ruth Jessen Hickman, Health, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • There's also the potential for dependency on partners, which can be risky if the alliance becomes strained.
    Randy Wong, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
  • This causes the voice to break and have a strained sound.
    Kate Nalepinski, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025
Adjective
  • The temperature of online discourse can often provide a false reading of a fanbase’s opinion on a manager or a team.
    Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 19 May 2025
  • Big banks are not allowed to cheat their customers with false advertising and misleading promises.
    Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 2025
Adjective
  • Say it with mock certainty and a slight smile, Callahan advises, and pause before the punchline.
    Angela Haupt, Time, 21 May 2025
  • Two of them show up regularly in way-too-early 2026 mock drafts.
    Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 21 May 2025
Adjective
  • On the evening of December 19, a four-person team at Cedars of Lebanon Hospital in Los Angeles worked for over six hours performing emergency surgery to repair two artificial valves.
    Jordan Runtagh, People.com, 22 May 2025
  • That development will have an artificial surfing lagoon, restaurants, shops, a 300-room hotel and up to 700 homes.
    Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • Driving through deep water can also affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 23 May 2025
  • Replacement parts from companies such as Moss Motors are affordable, and anyone with basic mechanical skills can wrench on their own MG, adding a little skin—and a lot of satisfaction—into the game.
    Robert Ross, Robb Report, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • Later, it's revealed that Phelps didn't die at all, and his fake death was a setup to frame Ethan.
    EW.com, EW.com, 24 May 2025
  • Bad actors had cloned his voice to make fake 911 calls about emergencies at rival locations.
    Daniel R. Depetris, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • The ensemble was crafted with a form-fitting silhouette and included such exaggerated elements as sharp shoulders.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 23 May 2025
  • Her ensemble also featured a black floor-length gown with exaggerated shoulders and a turquoise bow belt extending into a floor-grazing sash.
    Michelle Lee, People.com, 22 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Unnatural.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unnatural. Accessed 27 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on unnatural

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