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 That might appear unusual in a world where most people maintain several online accounts, yet choosing not to use social platforms says little about someone’s ability to repay a loan. — Artem Lalaiants, Forbes.com, 6 Nov. 2026 Those payments are not unusual for a company trying to emerge from bankruptcy. — Doug Ferguson, Chicago Tribune, 6 Nov. 2026 Florida carried out a record-tying 19th execution of the year in an unusual instance of three states administering the death penalty on the same day. — David Fischer, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Nov. 2026 While the Sullivan saga hogged national headlines, Alaska’s unusual electoral system itself was also on the ballot, after critics mounted a campaign to kill it. — Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 5 Nov. 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
  • The rising cost of veterinary care is pushing more Americans to buy pet insurance, as advances in animal medicine give owners access to treatments that were uncommon or unavailable a decade ago.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 5 Nov. 2026
  • However, what Patterson says was once uncommon has become a regular occurrence when the Idaho pediatrician is working in a newborn nursery in the southwest region of the state.
    — Dr. Jade Cobern, ABC News, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of uncommon
Adjective
  • The extraordinary beginnings of Stallone’s breakout film were explained in a New York Times interview soon after Rocky‘s release.
    — Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Given the extraordinary circumstances around this review, going anywhere else for photos felt almost dishonest.
    — Kevin Fanady, New Atlas, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of extraordinary
Adjective
  • Talk about strange beginnings at Friday’s City Section Division I football playoff opener between Sun Valley Poly and host Marshall.
    — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 7 Nov. 2026
  • And having one of those is as strange and terrifying as anything else in the universe.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of strange
Adjective
  • This mix between college town, nature oasis and state capital gives Madison a unique flare, pairing beloved nightlife spaces with a growing trail network.
    — Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 1 Nov. 2026
  • The state must show compassion for the unique geography of our neighborhood.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of unique
Adjective
  • Martin McDonagh’s latest comic provocation takes place on Easter Island and in 1970s Chile, where a ferociously funny John Malkovich and Sam Rockwell aim to upend the rule of law.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Sian is so funny and fun, and so is Mark, and so is Dylan [O’Brien].
    — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of funny
Adjective
  • Preservation had traditionally focused only on exceptional buildings, and protected them by more or less freezing them in place.
    — Julian Rose, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2026
  • Proton offers exceptional cybersecurity (partially because it’s based in Switzerland, which has very strict data-protection laws).
    — Oscar Hartzog, Rolling Stone, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of exceptional
Adjective
  • This is a deeply weird album, somehow both bombastic and elusive.
    — Hannah Jocelyn, Pitchfork, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Texas’ backhanded bid to cheat by squishing Democratic-leaning voters into weird districts?
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of weird
Adjective
  • The other, in Washington state, died in November 2025 from a rarer version called H5N5.
    — Mike Stobbe, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Both were unbelievably tender and seared to a perfect medium-rare.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of rare

Browse Nearby Words

unused
unusual
unusually
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Cite this Entry

“Unusual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unusual. Accessed 8 Nov. 2026.

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