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
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Recent Examples of unusual
The ones that have an element of fun, the unusual, the quirky.
—
Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 23 Apr. 2026
Perhaps a new relationship with someone unusual.
—Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 23 Apr. 2026
The department houses the government’s stakes in Intel and two rare-earth minerals companies, and controls its board seat at US Steel, and is helping orchestrate the rescue of Spirit Airlines — all signs of how Trump has wielded executive power to exert unusual influence on private companies.
—Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 23 Apr. 2026
In the days following Maduro’s capture, a series of reports appeared in the press highlighting the unusual wagers.
—Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unusual
Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 23 Apr. 2026
Perhaps a new relationship with someone unusual.
—Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 23 Apr. 2026
The department houses the government’s stakes in Intel and two rare-earth minerals companies, and controls its board seat at US Steel, and is helping orchestrate the rescue of Spirit Airlines — all signs of how Trump has wielded executive power to exert unusual influence on private companies.
—Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 23 Apr. 2026
In the days following Maduro’s capture, a series of reports appeared in the press highlighting the unusual wagers.
—Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unusual
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unusual
Adjective
-
Now, those stories are far more uncommon.—
Elias Burke,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Power surges are not uncommon; that's why many homes and devices come equipped with surge protection to help protect your appliances and electronics.—
Timothy Dale,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Why Octopuses Can Squeeze Through Incredibly Small Spaces Octopuses have no bones at all, which gives them an extraordinary level of flexibility and control over their bodies.—
Samantha Agate,
Charlotte Observer,
20 Apr. 2026
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After being injected with a mysterious serum, Gabriel gains extraordinary strength, speed, and resilience.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Getty Images With five weeks of Europe’s biggest domestic league seasons left to play, all kinds of strange scorelines are starting to roll in.—
Thom Harris,
New York Times,
21 Apr. 2026
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The end of kayfabe brought about a strange artistic flourishing—wrestling postmodernism.—
Zach Helfand,
New Yorker,
20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Snitker’s story is unique even in a sport that invites unprecedented journeys.—
Gabriel Burns,
AJC.com,
26 Apr. 2026
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Many of those values are grounded in the idea—axiomatic for Christians—that human beings have a unique dignity and worth.—
Elias Wachtel,
The Atlantic,
25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Ike is also just so funny at playing desperate characters like Benny or Morgan Tookers on The Mindy Project.—
Brian Davids,
HollywoodReporter,
23 Apr. 2026
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That’s funny, because even though kids are on Chromebooks all day, most of them aren’t learning how to type!—
Austin Elias-de Jesus,
New Yorker,
23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Michael's exceptional work has earned him numerous accolades from prestigious organisations such as the National Geographic, BBC, Virgin Galactic, Canon and Sony.—
PhotoVogue,
Vogue,
22 Apr. 2026
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The Lakers are getting exceptional postseason play from Smart, the longtime Celtics guard who joined Los Angeles this season.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
This had to be a weird clerical mistake.—
John McPhee,
New Yorker,
20 Apr. 2026
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Her idea of architecture has always been a little weird.—
Jerry Saltz,
Vulture,
20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Golinski was more confident when the ball met the bat than Kirk was, so there was no posing or admiring the rare shot.—
Jeff Vorva,
Chicago Tribune,
22 Apr. 2026
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The Latest Estonia’s government criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy over his warning that Russia could be preparing to attack the Baltic states, a rare rebuke from one of Kyiv’s staunchest allies.—
Suzanne Lynch,
Bloomberg,
21 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unusual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unusual. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.
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