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

The wider festival celebrated speed, engineering and extraordinary cars, while Future Lab looked at what might be waiting around the next bend.

— Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 24 July 2026
Paying a toll can void a vessel’s entire insurance policy, creating an extraordinary risk for shipping companies.

— David Goldman, CNN Money, 24 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

Many of them feature amenities like a basketball court, weight rooms and a pool, while others may have unique features like boxing gyms or an ice rink.

— Rashad Alexander, Kansas City Star, 22 July 2026
Because there’s a certain level of difficulty involved in taking a song fans know well, and expect to hear a particular way, and successfully putting a unique spin upon it.

— Jim Ryan, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

Definition of unique

Adjective

In reality, admissions officers routinely remember essays that are joyful, funny, intellectually playful, or quietly reflective.

— Dr. Liz Doe Stone, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
Besides being a talented singer, Babyface is also a funny and engaging performer.

— Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado July 22, Sacbee.com, 22 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

Tracking the sky to such depths, such resolution and for such a long time practically guarantees that a bevy of weird and baffling phenomena will emerge from the LSST data.

— Phil Plait, Scientific American, 24 July 2026
Some of it was weird, some of it was creepy and some was awe-inspiring.

— Yasmin Vossoughian, NBC news, 24 July 2026

Definition of weird

Adjective

Southern Louisiana was under tropical storm and extreme heat warnings for much of Wednesday — a rare double dose of suffering, the National Weather Service said.

— ABC News, ABC News, 23 July 2026
Sensing a rare viewing opportunity, the team followed the pod by boat.

— Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 23 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 25 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of unusual

adjective

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