Definition of unnaturalnext
1
2

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 In a nearby tent was Zuhoor Musa Abdul Rahman, a 30-year-old housewife who recounted with unnatural calm the horrors that spurred her to flee El Fasher, a city some 300 miles east of Obeid. Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2026 Only Maddie saw the unnatural, violent pull back inside, and most of the scares that follow likewise blur the line between reality and fantasy. Elena Lazic, Variety, 24 May 2026 Navarrette plays the bewitched Nikki as a raw nerve, a woman whose unnatural devotion to her boyfriend has her swinging between terrifying extremes. Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 18 May 2026 Over the course of Obsession's 108-minute runtime, Nikki transforms into an self-destructive, possessive, and dangerously violent shadow of her former self as Bear's spell forces her to fixate solely on her unnatural devotion to him—no matter the cost. Megan McCluskey, Time, 15 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for unnatural
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unnatural
Adjective
  • Haney reminded jurors that despising the rich isn’t a crime, much less an abnormal opinion.
    Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2026
  • Others develop dangerous fluctuations in blood pressure and abnormal heart rhythms because the autonomic nervous system becomes affected.
    Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 23 June 2026
Adjective
  • Austin Nieves, a recent transplant to the area and the man who had brought this brave group together, broke the strained silence by handing out beers.
    Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026
  • Dani provides the voiceover, filled with strained metaphors about earthquakes and sermons on the importance of summer, but the pretense that the dialogue is taken from his interrogation is quickly abandoned.
    Alison Herman, Variety, 19 June 2026
Adjective
  • According to the department, at the time of the chase, Buban had multiple outstanding arrest warrants against him, including for being a felon in possession of a firearm, taking a vehicle without consent, false impersonation and petty theft.
    Kassia Bonesteel, CBS News, 19 June 2026
  • According to Peña, a producer relayed the false information to her through an earpiece during a live broadcast.
    Nicole Acevedo, NBC news, 19 June 2026
Adjective
  • After a season of travel, video and phone calls and texts speaking with agents, scouts, coaches, family members and those around these players, here is my final mock draft for the 2026 NHL Draft.
    Scott Wheeler, New York Times, 23 June 2026
  • The mock-neck adds a chic touch, and the color selection is genuinely impressive.
    Annie Blackman, InStyle, 22 June 2026
Adjective
  • The end zones, yard markers and artificial turf are gone inside the retractable-roof stadium during soccer matches.
    Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 20 June 2026
  • The boom in artificial-intelligence memory chips has turned Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix into trillion-dollar companies and lifted the Kospi by roughly 80%.
    Dara-Abasi Ita, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
Adjective
  • Driving through deep water can also negatively affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.
    STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 June 2026
  • Of the two teams Genesis fielded, one was forced out early due to mechanical issues, but the other team finished, placing 13th in a field of 62 (though not all teams finished the race).
    Scotty Reiss, Forbes.com, 20 June 2026
Adjective
  • Authorities say the operation powered fake websites built to steal credit card numbers, passwords and other personal information.
    Staff, FOXNews.com, 19 June 2026
  • None of that makes the project fake.
    Gabriel Alin Zainescu, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
Adjective
  • But outside experts and Ukrainian soldiers who spoke to CNN say Russia’s claims of advancement are exaggerated and come as the Kremlin is likely trying to project a narrative of success to counter the impact of recent Ukrainian strikes inside Russia.
    Daria Tarasova-Markina, CNN Money, 24 June 2026
  • According to Nahmias, the low-top shoe’s design is meant to capture the mountainous ranges that meet the water throughout California and features an upper inspired by a popular skate shoe paired with an exaggerated sole made of lightweight materials.
    Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 24 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unnatural.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unnatural. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on unnatural

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster