UNUSUAL Synonyms: 75 Similar and Opposite Words

unusual

adjective

ˌən-ˈyü-zhə-wəl

Definition of unusual

as in uncommon

noticeably different from what is generally found or experienced we found some unusual shells by the high-tide mark while combing the beach

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in extraordinary

being out of the ordinary the famously arrogant actor accepted his award with unusual grace and humility

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 unusual Although Phil had no lump or pain, the doctor found the symptom unusual and referred him for an ultrasound. — Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 18 July 2026 The unusual invitation was only the beginning of an elaborate security process. — Bryan West, USA Today, 18 July 2026 That's faster than the nearly 45% growth rate seen in the prior-year period — an unusual acceleration, Mayo said. — Sean Conlon, CNBC, 18 July 2026 After getting wind of an unusual novel, from 1912, Ignacio tries to find it, while Ena makes the elusive tome the basis of her own docu-fictional novel. — Hilton Als, New Yorker, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for unusual

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unusual

Adjective

This is uncommon or does not occur with other common causes of diarrheal disease.

— Matthew Binnicker, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
But these conditions are uncommon, affecting maybe 1 percent of men at most, Anawalt said.

— Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 17 July 2026

Definition of uncommon

Adjective

Given the extraordinary breadth of work recognized each year and the limited time available within a three-hour broadcast, a select number of categories will be moving to the Emmy ceremonies taking place the week prior to the telecast.

— Peter White, Deadline, 17 July 2026
The star is, of course, the fynbos, that extraordinary shrubland ecosystem that transforms the landscape with seasonal color, intricate textures and astonishing biodiversity.

— Sarah Kingdom, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

Definition of extraordinary

Adjective

While Deliverance follows more or less in the footsteps of Blackwater Park, Damnation digs into a strange new realm for the band, uncovering something even darker.

— Sam Goldner, Pitchfork, 19 July 2026
Downstate, the threat of black vultures still feels new and strange.

— Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 19 July 2026

Definition of strange

Adjective

These unique metro Atlanta cafes argue that a great coffee shop can be about more than just a great brew.

— Christopher Hassiotis, AJC.com, 14 July 2026
Each has a unique profile that loosely coordinates with some of LAFCO's most popular home scents -- but fear not, you won't be left smelling like a candle.

— Kelsey Legg, ABC News, 14 July 2026

Definition of unique

Adjective

The 26-year-old Houston native was an instant draw for audiences, who connected with her funny, outspoken—yet still plenty vulnerable—personality.

— Rachel Brodsky, Time, 14 July 2026
More than just funny mistakes Spoonerisms are only one kind of speech error.

— Karen Stollznow, The Conversation, 14 July 2026

Definition of funny

Adjective

Blue Monkey is also disrupting the local food scene with the arrival of Amara, Barbados's first Lebanese restaurant—offering exceptional flavor, in arguably the most visually stunning dining room around.

— Jonnie Bayfield, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 July 2026
As closing statements go, this was an exceptional one for Tre Donaldson, the Miami Hurricanes rookie who scored 13 of his 20 in the fourth to go along with eight rebounds and 10 assists.

— Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 18 July 2026

Definition of exceptional

Adjective

This is a moody, weird, haunting, often beautiful film, punctuated by sudden violence and horror.

— Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Their books are weird and beautifully eccentric, and often highlight obscure and experimental writers from the 18th and 19th century.

— Diana Arterian, Literary Hub, 16 July 2026

Definition of weird

Adjective

Spain was so determined to limit Mbappe’s clean looks in the final third that Simon would often leave the net to meet Mbappe in the open field whenever a rare through ball was able to slip past Spain’s elite midfield.

— Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026
Total solar eclipses offer rare and brief opportunities to learn new information about everything from the physics of the sun to the behavior of animals and the dynamics of Earth’s atmosphere.

— Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 15 July 2026

Definition of rare

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unused

unusual

unusually

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“Unusual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unusual. Accessed 21 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of unusual

adjective

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