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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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 Her parents refuse to see that there is something unnatural about their new baby boy and that an evil other presence haunts their stately home. — Tanya Fedak, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026 The researchers say the approach could help overcome limitations of existing humanoid control systems, which often require extensive fine-tuning or produce rigid, unnatural movements. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2026 An endless, unnatural rain has sealed them, and apparently their neighbours, inside their homes. — Solitaire Townsend, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026 Standard joystick controls force an operator to translate every wrist flick into cabin rotation, arm extension, or bucket movement, an unnatural mapping that engineers call a mental model. — New Atlas, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unnatural

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unnatural

Adjective

Taking prescribed medications, following up on abnormal test results and addressing chronic health conditions rather than putting them off are all ways to support long-term vascular and brain health.

— Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 16 Sep. 2026
Holtec is developing the Pioneer units around its SMR-300 reactor, which uses passive safety systems designed to respond to abnormal conditions without relying on active operator intervention.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of abnormal

Adjective

Crucially, the moment signified a major thaw in the strained relations between India and China, and this bilateral reconciliation is perhaps the most significant geopolitical byproduct of the summit.

— Mayu Saini, Footwear News, 14 Sep. 2026
Larger concerns about strained military resources and funding for the war in Iran also became more pressing, as the conflict stretches into its seventh month.

— Allison Pecorin, ABC News, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of strained

Adjective

Patel sued the magazine for defamation that month, seeking $250 million and calling the article false and fabricated.

— CBS News, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026
Perez Hilton’s family is clearing up some false reports tied to the blogger’s recovery from a self-harm incident that unfolded on TikTok last month.

— Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of false

Adjective

Look cute and stay comfy on long travel days with this matching set, which comes with a polished mock-neck short-sleeve top and wide-leg pants with a stretchy waistband.

— Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2026
The outfit consisted of a sleeveless, mock-neck blouse in mocha-brown, tucked into a tawny suede skirt that hit just above her ankles.

— Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of mock

Adjective

Several artificial-intelligence stocks meanwhile held steadier following their worldwide slide the day before, after leaders of the AI industry called for a slowdown in development to address safety issues for humanity.

— Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2026
Conrad and Gordon performed eight different science experiments, but perhaps one of their most striking feats was the artificial gravity demonstration.

— Tariq Malik, Space.com, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of artificial

Adjective

Strength training involves using weights, machines, resistance bands, or even your own body weight to provide the mechanical stimulus muscles need to maintain or build strength.

— Kristen Gasnick, Verywell Health, 17 Sep. 2026
The Michigan investigation will now determine whether a mechanical failure, environmental factor, bird strike, or another issue caused the fighter to lose control.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of mechanical

Adjective

Andrew Tate, however, testified last week that much of the image was exaggerated entertainment and marketing.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 2026
Designers have been adding some edge and modernity to the style by designing pumps with an exaggerated pointed toe and lower-cut vamps that reveal more of the foot.

— Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of exaggerated

Adjective

Arch Manning's joking comments at a news conference about a fake video of coach Steve Sarkisian slapping ESPN reporter Holly Rowe erupted in controversy.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 Sep. 2026
When Geese’s Cameron Winter played a charity show under a fake name this January, TV Eye was the place to see it.

— Elisabeth Garber-Paul, Rolling Stone, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of fake

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“Unnatural.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unnatural. Accessed 18 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of unnatural

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