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 His run at Saint Laurent was unusual amidst a period of upheaval across the industry. — José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 9 Oct. 2026 Donations from gambling platforms to nonprofits like the NCPG are not unusual. — Camila Grigera Naón, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2026 The ongoing court battle has prompted an unusual debate about whether executive privilege can extend outside of the president's official responsibilities. — Jonathan Edwards, Washington Post, 9 Oct. 2026 Oreskes, a twenty-seven-year Times veteran, told me that Bragg’s practices were highly unusual. — Charles Bethea, New Yorker, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unusual

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unusual

Adjective

The 1997 Disney movie Hercules mixed Roman and Greek names, helping propagate this and other inaccuracies (not uncommon in Hollywood’s depictions of ancient Greece).

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Oct. 2026
This is not uncommon — women make up 4% of laureates since the award’s inception, though that has inched up to 12% in the past decade.

— O. Rose Broderick, STAT, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of uncommon

Adjective

Alongside Parton’s thousands of remarkable songs, the singer’s extraordinary life and career reached beyond music.

— Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 9 Oct. 2026
Hill’s departure marks the end of an extraordinary run in one of heavy metal’s defining bands.

— SPIN Staff, SPIN, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of extraordinary

Adjective

The small army at Kostabi World turned out images of featureless characters moving through strange, otherworldly scenes, caught between intimacy, alienation, and the discomfort of contemporary life.

— Robb Report, Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026
The first bit of growth might be especially strange-looking, says Sutcliffe.

— Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of strange

Adjective

Beat shows how so many of the sounds that were prevalent in the mid-’90s contained a unique, end-of-the century sadness.

— Sadie Sartini Garner, Pitchfork, 4 Oct. 2026
Instead, the self-regulating organization takes the day-to-day lead in devising standards, conducting oversight, enforcing rules, and punishing bad actors, drawing on its business members’ unique knowledge and real-world expertise.

— William R. Gruver, Fortune, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of unique

Adjective

Her career demonstrates extraordinary range, an exceptional level of acting and at the same time, a very special connection with audiences.

— Anna Marie de la Fuente, Variety, 2 Oct. 2026
Nonetheless, the association of Nike with exceptional athletes remains a litmus test for relevance, consumer sentiment, and brand equity — all metrics Hill should be working toward as part of his ongoing brand turnaround.

— Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of exceptional

Adjective

Children—a rare sight at Trancoso’s small, intimate pousadas but welcome here—are kept busy by a discreet army of private nannies and hotel monitors.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Because Justice Samuel Alito recused himself from the case, an eight-person bench will decide the case for the Supreme Court, leaving open the possibility of a rare 4-4 deadlock.

— Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of rare

Browse Nearby Words

unused

unusual

unusually

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“Unusual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unusual. Accessed 11 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of unusual

adjective

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