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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 Drafting in English and translating often produces stilted, unnatural messages. Adam Mills, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025 According to Vodou, when a person experiences an unnatural, early death, priests can capture and co-opt their soul. Tom Duszynski, The Conversation, 16 Oct. 2025 So watch the video carefully and try to catch the signs of unnatural eye movements, lip-sync issues, weird lighting, shadows and voice inconsistencies. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for unnatural
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unnatural
Adjective
  • Her daughter's infatuation with the skeleton is not abnormal, according to Isabel.
    Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025
  • The only way to make a definitive diagnosis is to take thin slices of the brain after the person’s death and use a microscope to look for an abnormal accumulation of tau, a protein that stabilizes certain elements of the brain.
    Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Rookie first-round draft pick Nique Clifford has been upgraded to questionable after missing the past four games with a strained right hamstring.
    Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Father Mother Sister Brother tells the story of estranged siblings who reunite after years apart and are forced to confront unresolved tensions and reevaluate their strained relationships with their emotionally distant parents.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The title-winning standard has been lower in recent years; City won it with 86, 93, 89 and 91 points between 2020-21 and 2023-24 and Liverpool with 84 points last season, but some of those totals give a false impression.
    Oliver Kay, New York Times, 8 Nov. 2025
  • The month prior, she was sentenced to one year and nine months in prison for using marijuana while owning a firearm and making false statements about drug use, per the newspaper.
    Christopher Rudolph, PEOPLE, 8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • What really makes the dress stand out is its chic details, which includes a structured seam around the waist, gold-tone decorative buttons, and a mock neckline.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 5 Nov. 2025
  • The eye-rolling, groaning, mock-despair brings the group together.
    Big Think, Big Think, 5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Tests in both artificial and real human saliva produced the same result, demonstrating that the single-application ELR coating could recreate enamel and withstand real-world impacts.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 5 Nov. 2025
  • The artificial plateau made from earth, with connecting causeways, canals and corridors, was built in southeastern Mexico 3,050 years ago and used for around 300 years.
    Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Driving through deep water can also negatively affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 3 Nov. 2025
  • This is due to inevitable issues relating to mechanical faults, maintenance fatigue, and, of course, human error.
    Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Cybercriminals often use fake promotional emails or ads that look like real store offers.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 2 Nov. 2025
  • The cohost brought up the astronaut during a discussion of Kim Kardashian's claim that the moon landing was fake.
    Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • An investigation by the United Kingdom’s Information Commissioner found that the company’s claims about its predictive model were exaggerated and ineffective, according to The Associated Press.
    David Smiley, Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Plus, the boot – which comes in DM’s Yellow, Black, and DM’s Olive colorways – use the brand’s Ben sole with an exaggerated tread which is paired with a SoftWair insole.
    Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 6 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Unnatural.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unnatural. Accessed 10 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on unnatural

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