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 That caused unusual national uptick DeSantis has indicated the death penalty is not outside the realm of possibility for Caruso, if he’s charged and convicted under the new law. — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 22 Aug. 2026 Travelers should remain calm, follow official instructions, keep walkways clear, and report unusual activity to airport security. — Joey Skladany, Travel + Leisure, 22 Aug. 2026 This trifecta makes the dwelf quite possibly the most visually unusual cats on our list. — Pat Mueller, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2026 Bennett Weiner, president and CEO of the BBB Wise Giving Alliance, said a late registration isn't that unusual, especially for small charities, but the hostile takeover by a former member is. — Megan De Mar, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unusual

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unusual

Adjective

Standing ovations are not uncommon in the Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, the $82 million home of La Jolla Music Society.

— George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Aug. 2026
Striking up chats with strangers used to be uncommon for Hoadley.

— Amen Galinato, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of uncommon

Adjective

One of the most extraordinary musical experiences of my life was recording with her.

— Donna Vickroy, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
Harald’s death was officially announced at an extraordinary Council of State meeting at Norway’s Royal Palace on Friday, as the full title of the new King was formally presented.

— Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of extraordinary

Adjective

Twenty-four hours after moving to London from New Zealand, Lavanda wanted to go out for a cocktail but felt strange going alone.

— Amen Galinato, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
There are a lot of on-the-road songs about travels through this strange, heartbreaking, and beautiful planet.

— Marissa R. Moss, Rolling Stone, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of strange

Adjective

Under the rule, states must supply the USPS with lists of mail ballot recipients, and all outbound and return ballot envelopes must bear unique barcodes.

— Andrew Chung, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026
The extreme environment has long given researchers a unique perspective on what makes plants grow, insight that would be hard to obtain elsewhere.

— ABC News, ABC News, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of unique

Adjective

The end result is Murder Bites, my funny, quirky mystery that takes place in a small town where everyone is obsessed with their tiny designer dogs.

— Mimi Montgomery, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026
What is sort of funny is imagining how immersion in the city’s cultural scene fits into Vanderbilt’s broader ambitions.

— Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of funny

Adjective

This commitment to investing in people, listening intently, and acting on feedback drives continuous improvement, proving that exceptional service is a deliberate outcome of strong leadership and a responsive culture.

— Shep Hyken, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
Food and drink Zori’s 32-year-old chef, Siniša Jevrosimov, is an exceptional talent.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of exceptional

Adjective

This turns into a big argument about Issa being a weird little guy, and suddenly there are multiple potential roommate schisms in the house.

— Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
There’s a comically weird dinner with Kel’s ex, Sabrina (a scintillatingly eccentric Jasmin Savoy Brown).

— Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of weird

Adjective

In a rare move, the chipmaker provided a revenue growth outlook for fiscal 2028 that forecast annual sales to increase 70% from the prior year.

— Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026
Within the Milky Way, astronomers have so far identified roughly 100 stellar stream candidates shed by globular clusters, but finding one around another galaxy is extraordinarily rare.

— Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 26 Aug. 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 29 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of unusual

adjective

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