Definition of unnaturalnext
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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 While some can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and concerns, many are created with specific consumers and their needs in mind. Lily Wohlner, Allure, 18 Mar. 2026 The biggest factor separating natural from unnatural results is judgment, knowing how much is enough and when to stop. Carlos Wolf, Miami Herald, 12 Mar. 2026 Some swim-current systems can create uneven or turbulent flow, which can make swimming feel unnatural. New Atlas, 12 Mar. 2026 What people fail to realize, Harding said, is that the office is an investigative body that plays a role in uncovering the cause of unnatural deaths and also protecting the public. Shannon Tyler march 6, Idaho Statesman, 6 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unnatural
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unnatural
Adjective
  • South Korean media reported the projectile, also likely a ballistic missile, disappeared from South Korean military radars after displaying an abnormal development in the initial launch stage.
    Hyung-Jin Kim, Los Angeles Times, 8 Apr. 2026
  • South Korean media reported the previous projectile, also likely a ballistic missile, disappeared from South Korean military radars after displaying an abnormal development in the initial launch stage.
    ABC News, ABC News, 7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The rickshaws have become increasingly popular in Sierra Leone, filling the gaps in a strained public transport system as the West African country struggles to recover from its 1991-2002 civil war.
    ABC News, ABC News, 11 Apr. 2026
  • The band’s courtesy visit was a pleasant break for Japan’s first female leader, known for her long working hours and now struggling with strained diplomatic ties with China, the fallouts from the war in the Middle East as well as rising prices at home.
    Mari Yamaguchi, Fortune, 10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Naturally, Yuga Labs sued Ripps, and his partner Cahen, alleging false advertising, trademark infringement, and cybersquatting.
    Harrison Jacobs, ARTnews.com, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Because of this, Becerra is also facing a misdemeanor count of attempting to induce false testimony.
    Nicole Macias Garibay, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The idea of producing multiple mock drafts is to cover multiple possibilities, and with the ninth overall selection in the NFL Draft, there are several for the Chiefs.
    Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 8 Apr. 2026
  • To see how the board has changed over time, check out Chris Perkins’ initial mock draft, David Furones’ post-combine mock and Perkins’ post-Waddle trade mock.
    David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Such spending flourishes in secrecy, and this year’s artificial rush toward a last-minute deal suggests that more giveaways are coming.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 11 Apr. 2026
  • Pasricha also advises her patients to steer clear of foods with artificial sweeteners - often advertised as sugar-free - because they're known to cause diarrhea and bloating.
    Andrea Muraskin, NPR, 11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Driving through deep water can also affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 11 Apr. 2026
  • Driving through deep water can also negatively affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.
    STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Security company Trend Micro has documented that actors who’ve worked on past operations benefiting the North Korean government have used these addresses, particularly in scams involving fake recruiters.
    Jessica Klein, PC Magazine, 11 Apr. 2026
  • Faces of Death isn’t a remake of the infamous 1978 exploitation landmark, a faux documentary that positioned itself as an anthology of actual carnage (though much of its disturbing footage was fake).
    Alison Willmore, Vulture, 10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • With its exaggerated collar and slim-fitting pants, this outfit is the definition of elevated athleisure.
    Isabel Bekele, InStyle, 6 Apr. 2026
  • Mario himself is played mostly straight by Pratt, subduing the exaggerated Italian accent from the games, while retaining the underdog aspect of a blue collar guy burdened with greater purpose.
    Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 5 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Unnatural.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unnatural. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.

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