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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 But in images with few items and sparser backgrounds, the spatial effect looks unnatural. ArsTechnica, 17 Sep. 2025 These systems check everything from micro-expressions to unnatural lighting, skin texture or moiré patterns left by screen replays. Ihar Kliashchou, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025 In its world premiere, SECOND NATURE challenges the notion that queerness is unnatural, by turning to nature itself — and the science that dismantles the myth of the gender binary. Glenn Garner, Deadline, 10 Sep. 2025 Stories abound in folklore of the unnatural taking the place of the natural. Adam Verner september 3, Literary Hub, 3 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unnatural
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unnatural
Adjective
  • With sepsis, the immune system has an abnormal response to an infection — either too exuberant or too minimal.
    Dr. Marc Siegel , Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Cleveland is winding through an abnormal week in the middle of a uniquely brutal three-game stretch and searching for offensive answers of any kind.
    Zac Jackson, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Qatar is deepening its presence in Egypt after more than a decade of strained ties.
    Manal Albarakati, semafor.com, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Reports about father and son’s strained relationship have been everywhere of late.
    Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Evaluating defamation claims where the report contains demonstrably false factual assertions.
    Tim Reynolds, Fortune, 3 Oct. 2025
  • However, as several independent experts interviewed by NPR note, that claim is false.
    Scott Neuman, NPR, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Flight 11 will target those same two splashdown zones, and Ship will aim to deploy another eight mock Starlinks, SpaceX wrote in Monday's update.
    Mike Wall, Space.com, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Recently, Taylor invited her daughter’s class to Euronews Albania for a behind-the-scenes look at how television is made, where the children took part in mock interviews and explored the studio with wide-eyed excitement.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 28 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • American food giants like Walmart’s Great Value brand, General Mills, Kraft Heinz and more are pledging to remove additives like synthetic dyes, certain preservatives and artificial sweeteners from their foods.
    Stephen J. Beard, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Their methods—ruthless melodic math, brazenly artificial production, and an odd soft spot for reggae rhythms—helped define the world-conquering sound of Britney Spears and Backstreet Boys.
    Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Driving through deep water can also affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Driving through deep water can also negatively affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Methanol is an industrial chemical that can cause nerve and liver damage and is sometimes found in fake or poorly distilled alcohol.
    Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Aside from games like volleyball and dominoes, Gach says some children stage fake ambushes on one another while pretending to be government forces or rebel fighters.
    Juliana Kim, NPR, 5 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Guadagnino encourages our doubts, shooting Maggie in exaggerated horror-movie closeups set to the doomy bass notes and shrieking winds of Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross’s score.
    Justin Chang, New Yorker, 3 Oct. 2025
  • But the question remains whether exaggerated fears are sufficient to trigger political violence.
    Ron Barrett, The Conversation, 2 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Unnatural.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unnatural. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on unnatural

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