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 Beyoncé Knowles turned 45 on September 4, and to mark the occasion, the global superstar entertainer made an unusual birthday gift, of $2 million, not to herself but to the Studio Museum in Harlem. — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 5 Sep. 2026 The Swamp One June morning in 1992, Mike Bianchi’s phone rang with an unusual assignment. — Ira Gorawara, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2026 That sets up a campaign with an unusual shape and real vigor. — Clayton Davis, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026 Critics questioned the movie’s unusual blend of genres, which moves from romance and comedy to drama and supernatural fantasy. — Lily Brown, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 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
  • Lucas says shootings involving immigration officers are not uncommon, and under this administration alone, there have been more than 20.
    — Brittney Melton, NPR, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Pooling of sea water is possible around high tide at beach areas that is uncommon with normal tidal ranges.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of uncommon
Adjective
  • South Florida motorists routinely saw police officers hurtling along highways at extraordinary speeds without lights, sirens or any apparent emergency.
    — Sally Kestin, Sun Sentinel, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Barcelona are still extraordinary — and remain a reminder that there are no quick fixes.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of extraordinary
Adjective
  • In a strange quirk of the 2026-27 fixture list, Leeds have been sent to the scenes of those crimes in quick succession once again.
    — Beren Cross, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • In short, unruly crowds, strange smells, intrusive noise and late nights are not unique inventions of the TikTok era.
    — Douglas Robson, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of strange
Adjective
  • Major European partners are on board as well, including Xilam, pushing French high-end, unique animation series beyond its borders.
    — Kevin Giraud, Variety, 8 Sep. 2026
  • The comedic play, which is set at a silent retreat, has the unique convention of having the majority of its characters barely speak, and rather rely on their physicality.
    — Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of unique
Adjective
  • Occasionally, this appeared to be in jest (although not actually very funny).
    — Jacobina Martin, Washington Post, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Mulligan should win for her darkly funny, cringe-inducing turn, though Snook, Pidgeon and sentimental favorite Field are all in play too.
    — Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of funny
Adjective
  • Engineered around Qualcomm’s flagship 12-core Snapdragon X Elite processor, this Surface laptop delivers exceptional processing speed with whisper-quiet thermal efficiency.
    — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 6 Sep. 2026
  • That golden brown exterior tasted exceptional, but eating it came with some hurdles.
    — Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of exceptional
Adjective
  • But the weird stuff came behind the bench, where the Oilers sure seemed to want to hire Bruce Cassidy, only to be blocked by Vegas.
    — Sean McIndoe, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Everyone in town thinks the aunts are weird as hell, but who cares?
    — Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of weird
Adjective
  • While Champions League football is synonymous with Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, the start of the season offers the rare quirk of all 18 opening league phase fixtures being equally distributed across three nights.
    — Leon Imber, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Martha has the rare superhuman instincts required to keep both the class and the mess in harmonious balance, and watching her walk into RHONY is like watching a prima ballerina lead an elementary-school dance class.
    — Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of rare

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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 13 Sep. 2026.

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