Synonyms of unnatural

unnatural

adjective

ˌən-ˈna-chə-rəl 

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

• abnormal
• unusual
• irregular
• uncommon
• anomalous
• deviant
• aberrant
• atypical
• odd
• extraordinary
• untypical
• devious
• aberrational
• deviate
• bizarre
• weird
• strange
• eccentric
• unconventional
• funny
• peculiar
• remarkable
• unrepresentative
• curious
• rare
• unwonted
• freakish
• preternatural
• outlandish
• kinky
• screwy
• wacky
• idiosyncratic
• quirky
• unorthodox
• quaint
• out-of-the-way
• uncustomary
• queer
• whacky
• outré
• wild
• nonconformist
• way-out
• queerish
• far-out

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• natural
• normal
• typical
• regular
• standard
• ordinary
• common
• familiar
• commonplace
• everyday
• routine
• unremarkable
• usual
• customary
• unexceptional
• characteristic
• average
• run-of-the-mine
• run-of-the-mill
• representative
• workaday
• run-of-mine
• archetypal
• wonted
• archetypical

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

• strained
• false
• mock
• artificial
• mechanical
• fake
• exaggerated
• affected
• pseudo
• simulated
• forced
• theatrical
• contrived
• theatric
• plastic
• spurious
• factitious
• assumed
• cute
• bogus
• unreal
• phoney
• phony
• feigned
• sham
• hollow
• empty
• pretended
• deliberate
• unrealistic
• automatic
• put-on
• formal
• hypocritical
• stiff
• calculated
• unauthentic
• insincere
• manufactured
• melodramatic
• pat
• conscious
• labored
• hokey
• unctuous
• conventional
• rigid
• histrionic
• concocted
• impersonal
• wooden
• canned
• facile
• fabricated
• stylized
• cultivated
• inflexible
• artful
• overdone
• mealy
• premeditated
• mincing
• overacted
• cutesy
• two-faced
• genteel
• simpering
• left-handed
• double-dealing
• goody-goody
• mealymouthed
• studied
• overrefined

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• natural
• spontaneous
• genuine
• real
• unaffected
• true
• realistic
• artless
• right
• bona fide
• authentic
• sincere
• unforced
• easy
• honest
• smooth
• ingenuous
• uncontrived
• unfeigned
• effortless
• unconscious
• instinctive
• impulsive
• impromptu
• extemporaneous
• unpretending
• unrehearsed
• unstudied
• unprompted

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

Recent Examples of unnatural

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

Self-tanner can sink into dry skin, leaving dark patches behind that look unnatural. —Lily Wohlner, Allure, 23 Sep. 2025

Mack’s left arm bent in an unnatural position. —Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 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