1
as in absurd
conceived or made without regard for reason or reality
an unreal claim that is distant from the slightest hint of truth
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in imaginary
not real and existing only in the imagination
the unreal world of TV sitcoms
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 unreal
The world is suddenly too bright, too loud, and slightly unreal.
—
Zeba Blay, SELF, 21 Apr. 2026
Hearing that familiar voice echo across the set blurred the line between character and performer in a way that felt almost unreal.
—Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 18 Apr. 2026
The other key hallmark of Dark Star is its unreal speed—Magnée is off the charts with some tempos coming in at a death rattle of 240 bpms.
—Selena Fragassi, SPIN, 14 Apr. 2026
This and the other two villas are truly unreal.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unreal
Zeba Blay, SELF, 21 Apr. 2026
Hearing that familiar voice echo across the set blurred the line between character and performer in a way that felt almost unreal.
—Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 18 Apr. 2026
The other key hallmark of Dark Star is its unreal speed—Magnée is off the charts with some tempos coming in at a death rattle of 240 bpms.
—Selena Fragassi, SPIN, 14 Apr. 2026
This and the other two villas are truly unreal.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unreal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unreal
Adjective
-
Unfortunately, in life, there are few greater certainties than eventual statistical regression to the mean; the Broncos are primed for it, after winning an absurd amount of one-score games.—
Parker Gabriel,
Denver Post,
15 May 2026
-
The Daily Show making fun of two absurd AI start-ups designed by losers to cater to a loser clientele.—
Bethy Squires,
Vulture,
15 May 2026
Adjective
-
To find Hydra, first locate the bright stars Chertan and Regulus in the constellation Leo and draw an imaginary line from the former to the latter, extending 20 degrees into open space.—
Anthony Wood,
Space.com,
9 May 2026
-
Artists in the 18th century would often include a person of color, who would sometimes be imaginary, in their portraits of wealthy white sitters to embellish the painting and highlight the high status of the main subject, according to the researchers.—
Amarachi Orie,
CNN Money,
8 May 2026
Adjective
-
But what happened on April 21 was ominous and bizarre, not conventional.—
U T Editorial Board,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 May 2026
-
And would today’s more bizarre cast of characters prove even more compelling?—
Peter Bart,
Deadline,
7 May 2026
Adjective
-
Paul Dano is spin doctor and adviser Vadim Baranov, a fictitious character loosely inspired by real-life Russian politician Vladislav Surkov.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
15 May 2026
-
That was a role model of a fictitious kind.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2026
Adjective
-
Let’s face it, life is full of foolish decisions.—
Jay Weissberg,
Variety,
14 May 2026
-
Trump previously said his administration would have been foolish not to accept it.—
Trevor Hughes,
USA Today,
8 May 2026
Adjective
-
The series, which is set in the fictional county of Rutshire, England, follows an intense rivalry.—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
15 May 2026
-
The fictional character was highly logical, possessed great inner strength, exhibited loyalty, kept his emotions in check, and otherwise showcased admirable qualities.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2026
Adjective
-
In any other historical period, proposing such a career trajectory would’ve seemed mildly insane — like if Peter Buck had followed up Fables of the Reconstruction by producing Whitney Houston instead of the Feelies.—
Jon Dolan,
Rolling Stone,
14 May 2026
-
For so much of the season, Rachel is low-key stoned, which can keep her at a remove, even when things are getting really insane.—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
14 May 2026
Adjective
-
Opened in 2020, the museum features interactive exhibits dedicated to the mythical sea creature.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
14 May 2026
-
Loosely based on the legends of the Nang Mai, Thailand’s mythical forest nymphs, the film is scripted by Patrick Graham, the writer behind Netflix’s Indian horror series Ghoul and Betaal, based on a concept by Songsak Mongkolthong (Graveyard Horror), who is also attached to direct.—
Liz Shackleton,
Deadline,
13 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unreal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unreal. Accessed 16 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
