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

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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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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 When channels are created with unsuitable blades, angles, or placement, transplanted hair may grow in an unnatural direction or produce an overly uniform appearance. — Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 10 Aug. 2026 Gummies often have natural or unnatural flavors and sweeteners. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026 The PlayStation Move Motion controllers put the power in your hands and give you the freedom to control every move in-game without the unnatural feeling of a traditional controller. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2026 Every overdose prevention, every family spared an unnatural loss, and every conversation that helps someone make a safer choice matters. — Joe Mutascio, IndyStar, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unnatural

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unnatural

Adjective

In another trial, researchers with the UC San Diego School of Medicine and Case Western Reserve University are also analyzing blood from 84 adult participants with HIV and abnormal levels of body fat buildup.

— Yi-Jin Yu, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026
The vaccine targets abnormal proteins called neoantigens that appear on the surface of cancer cells.

— Aria Bendix, NBC news, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of abnormal

Adjective

But to build a web of accusations based on false premises and the manipulation of reality in order to attack the Biennale and a film invited to compete is a petty and unacceptable act.

— John Bleasdale, Variety, 19 Aug. 2026
China’s aircraft engineers have warned that artificial intelligence could feed false data into military intelligence, potentially distorting the design and operation of advanced weapons.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of false

Adjective

Featuring a slimming silhouette, this mock-neck sweater is polished enough for the office but can pull double duty as casual wear on the weekends.

— Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 16 Aug. 2026
Participants will tour city buildings, engage in mock activities and meet directly with department leaders from City Hall, Finance, Police, Fire and Public Works, the release said.

— Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of mock

Adjective

The expert becomes the manager of an artificial team, reviewing, redirecting, correcting, and sharpening outputs at speed.

— Ethan M. Stone, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026
What happens if artificial companionship becomes society’s default response to loneliness, dementia, disability, and a shortage of human care?

— Belonging Forum, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of artificial

Adjective

Counter identified the auditorium’s main air-supply fan as original equipment dating to 1937, and described mechanical and electrical systems that have been added onto and modified repeatedly over the decades.

— Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 20 Aug. 2026
NordSpace had planned to launch its own Taiga rocket from the Atlantic Spaceport Launch Complex in August 2025, but the test was aborted due to mechanical issues.

— IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of mechanical

Adjective

The company behind a poll that Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass touted as showing her with a double-digit lead in the mayoral race said the survey was entirely fake and part of a social experiment.

— Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 18 Aug. 2026
There’s much more for fans of special effects to discover, from the practical snow used whenever feasible to the geysers of fake blood used to comedic effect.

— Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of fake

Adjective

Democratic lawmakers demand investigations and an oversight visit, alleging dangerous conditions and poor treatment aboard the Lincoln, while Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dismisses the reports as exaggerated and misrepresented.

— Konstantin Toropin, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026
The investigation determined the information provided was inaccurate or exaggerated and dismissed it in May, according to a letter the state Department of Education sent to the college.

— Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of exaggerated

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unnaturally

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“Unnatural.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unnatural. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of unnatural

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