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 Extreme corsetry, volumes, and silhouettes morphed women’s bodies into unnatural forms, some hyper-perfect, others creature-like. — Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 10 July 2026 Borrowers are making some of the biggest financial decisions of their lives—an unnatural or robotic interaction can permanently disqualify your organization in their mind. — Chao-Ping Wu, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026 His speech was an unnatural blur. — Paige Williams, New Yorker, 22 June 2026 The problem is, mainstream science and society have been slow to move away from the narrative that all animals copulate only for reproduction, any same-sex activity is purely anomalous (and unnatural), and every species is male-dominated. — Rachel Brodsky, Rolling Stone, 20 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for unnatural

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unnatural

Adjective

The condition, also known as cervical kyphosis, is an abnormal forward curve of the neck.

— Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 23 July 2026
This is particularly noteworthy given the sheer number of heatwaves and other abnormal weather events across the continent this past summer alone.

— Kaitlyn McInnis, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

Definition of abnormal

Adjective

Pitcher Stephen Kolek will seek a second opinion on his strained right flexor, and outfielder Kyle Isbel is on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Omaha.

— Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 22 July 2026
These nations, highly dependent on food imports and lacking adequate climate finance, are experiencing rising food prices and strained supply chains.

— Jamie Hailstone, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

Definition of strained

Adjective

Earlier in July, a senior security source in Tehran told CNN that the claims of nuclear activities taking place at Pickaxe Mountain were false.

— Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 22 July 2026
Two Charlotte brokers are facing accusations of filing false life insurance applications for profit, according to North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey.

— Mark Price July 22, Charlotte Observer, 22 July 2026

Definition of false

Adjective

With the help of his students, Wangchuk froze stream water into conical artificial glaciers—or ice stupas—to store water during the winter and release it throughout the drier spring and summer.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 21 July 2026
Because unreliable weather patterns can make natural snow scarce, the resort relies on artificial snow to make skiing possible all winter long.

— ABC News, ABC News, 21 July 2026

Definition of artificial

Adjective

The trailer relies on a hitch coupler force sensor to provide continuous feedback on the pull on the tow vehicle, managing the trailer's movement by increasing motor output or applying the electro-mechanical brakes located at all four wheels.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 23 July 2026
Heavy-duty mechanical hinges connect titanium-alloy limbs to a protective casing of carbon fiber, enabling smooth, deliberate strides on brutish red legs.

— Charlie Campbell, Time, 23 July 2026

Definition of mechanical

Adjective

Multiple schools are at the center of incidents in which teens are facing legal consequences for generating fake explicit images of their classmates.

— Avni Trivedi, CNN Money, 21 July 2026
Gen Alphas seem to know almost immediately when something is fake, overproduced, delayed or culturally disconnected, which is why the strongest content right now often feels chaotic.

— Kelly Samuel, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

Definition of fake

Adjective

Thoughtful details like exaggerated seat cushions and lofty back pillows make this compact sectional especially inviting for movie marathons or your latest streaming obsession.

— Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 16 July 2026
Proof that the country our parents carried in their voices, their food, their music, and their sacrifices was never exaggerated.

— Rafael Peña, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026

Definition of exaggerated

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“Unnatural.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unnatural. Accessed 24 Jul. 2026.

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