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 That’s because Google’s algorithms are designed to spot and penalize unnatural link patterns. Nick Zviadadze, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025 Every great defense has that type of unnatural DNA, and across the entire team, Ulbrich expressed to CNN. Hailey Hurst, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2025 While there are certainly products that can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and needs, hair products are often created with specific consumers in mind. Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 13 Aug. 2025 And yet most modern cows live in a decidedly unnatural environment. Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 11 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unnatural
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unnatural
Adjective
  • Stress can increase the risk of abnormal heart rhythms, some of which may lead to a stroke.8 These are all factors that can increase the risk of stroke.
    Ruth Jessen Hickman, Health, 30 Aug. 2025
  • If left untreated, more severe symptoms may appear, including mental confusion, difficulty breathing, convulsions, abnormal bleeding and more, which can lead to death.
    Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Prosecutors say that the two-year relationship between Read and O’Keefe had become strained with jealousy and significant fighting, heightened by frequent alcohol use.
    Flint McColgan, Boston Herald, 28 Aug. 2025
  • Following a meeting between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Prime Minister Modi in New Delhi last week, both sides recognized the recent improvements in their strained relationship.
    Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • As a part of the settlement, the false electors acknowledged their actions were used in an attempt to overturn an election.
    Jessie Opoien, jsonline.com, 23 Aug. 2025
  • Ament pleaded guilty in 2022 to two counts of wire fraud, one count of making a false statement to a financial institution and one count of submitting a false tax return.
    Michael Slaten, Oc Register, 22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Hall has been drafted significantly higher than Allen in mock drafts.
    Tyler Small, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025
  • Food Network hosted a group of 16 rising high school students at its headquarters in New York this week for a three-day culinary lab that culminated in a competition to pitch a new TV show concept and then a battle for which team could execute the best dishes for a mock version of the idea.
    Jennifer Maas, Variety, 22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The existing artificial waterway that ships used to cross the continent from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific, the Panama Canal, was not built at sea level on both sides.
    Shoshi Parks, Popular Science, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Ford compares the process to making an artificial Christmas tree.
    James Rogan, The Washington Examiner, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Driving through deep water can also affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 28 Aug. 2025
  • These nation-wide country-goes-city celebrations of agricultural bounty, mechanical innovations and skilled handcrafts have been drawing crowds since the first fair was held in upstate New York in 1841.
    Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The Broncos lost three fumbles, committed eight penalties, gave up a TD on a fake punt, got burned by big plays and had eight straight drives end without any points.
    Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 29 Aug. 2025
  • It’s called a false or fake fall because after the cool-down, temperatures return to typical summer weather.
    Andrea Beck, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Trust erodes when people sense that crises are exaggerated or avoidable.
    Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025
  • By the looks of it, news of rock music’s slow and painful death under ever-widening pop hegemony is greatly exaggerated.
    Chris R. Morgan, The Washington Examiner, 22 Aug. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unnatural.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unnatural. Accessed 4 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on unnatural

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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