unusual

adjective

ˌən-ˈyü-zhə-wəl How to pronounce unusual (audio)
Definition of unusualnext
1
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
2
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 Marine biologist Mike Heithaus of Florida International University told Fox News Digital shark bites remain unusual, even during the busy summer beach season. — Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 4 July 2026 The analysis also sheds new light on the unusual nature of the disaster itself. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026 Trump’s 2020 defeat and unusual split term solved that problem. — Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 3 July 2026 Musk’s unusual lock-up structure presents investors with a case of extremes, giving the stock a ballast of stability for the first year, followed by the potential for a supernova event. — Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for unusual
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unusual
  1. uncommon
  2. extraordinary
  3. strange
  4. unique
  5. funny
  6. exceptional
  7. weird
  8. rare
Adjective
  • An inconclusive ballistics result is not uncommon, as the analysis depends on the size and condition of the bullet fragments recovered.
    — Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
  • This trend reflects companies' need to expand and contract rapidly, prompting landlords to prebuild and furnish spaces, a practice uncommon just five years ago.
    — Jeffrey Steele, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
Definition of uncommon
Adjective
  • While improving, the occupancy rates are far from extraordinary.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 11 July 2026
  • Ducks keep Leo Carlsson The Ducks have matched the Philadelphia Flyers’ offer sheet for center Leo Carlsson, keeping their rising young star at an extraordinary cost.
    — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
Definition of extraordinary
Adjective
  • Others may miss the warmth of a person who can read the room, handle a strange request or help when something goes wrong.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
  • Canada coach Jesse Marsch gives strange interview after Morocco World Cup loss.
    — Alex Connor, USA Today, 5 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
  • Just down the road, Beefbar at Hotel Lou Pinet offers a relaxed ambiance and exceptional dishes.
    — Karli Poliziani, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 July 2026
  • Read More TopicsTaylor Swift Vogue Weddings An all-access invitation to the exceptional and inspirational, plus planning tips and advice.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 4 July 2026
Definition of exceptional
Adjective
  • The bet, which happened on Polymarket, isn’t weird for the wild world of prediction markets.
    — Jon Sarlin, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
  • The weird, vaguely threatening statement doesn’t lay the groundwork for a productive night, so naturally the vibes are just all off as the boys hang, so much so that Christian regrets planning it altogether.
    — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 9 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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Cite this Entry

“Unusual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unusual. Accessed 17 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of unusual for Spanish Speakers

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