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 The selection also includes more experimental films, as well as stories centered on childhood – an unusual focus to date for Mexican feature filmmaking. — Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 15 Aug. 2026 However, the underlying statutory duties did not change, which produces an unusual situation for borrowers. — Terdawn Deboe, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026 Murder charge 'cruel and unusual,' advocate says Of cases where a child was unknowingly left in a car, about 41% do not lead to criminal charges against caregivers, Rollins said. — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 15 Aug. 2026 The inside of this sculptural detail featured an unusual abstract black spotty pattern. — Meg Walters, InStyle, 15 Aug. 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
  • This is uncommon compared to other mental health issues new moms face — postpartum depression, for example, is estimated to affect about 10% of mothers.
    — Deborah Becker, NPR, 16 Aug. 2026
  • There is too much going on here for this novel to work, but Andersen is an uncommon writer, a skilled historical novelist as well as an astute cultural observer and historical interpreter.
    — John Warner, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of uncommon
Adjective
  • Building new housing on two islands in San Francisco, one of the hottest housing markets, involved an extraordinary saga.
    — Julie Z. Weil, Washington Post, 21 Aug. 2026
  • As his abilities give him access to increasingly sophisticated criminal schemes and extraordinary wealth, he is drawn into a world of luxury, excess and organized cybercrime.
    — Ed Meza, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of extraordinary
Adjective
  • The explanation behind this family man’s strange case is well chronicled in many Chicago and New York news stories.
    — Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Symptoms include anxiety, hypervigilance, confusion and mania, and taking on activities that might be considered strange.
    — Deborah Becker, NPR, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of strange
Adjective
  • The exterior features unique blue accents and matching blue high-performance brake calipers.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Known for unique design flair, such as the Stellar TV's concrete back mounts, Loewe seeks to establish itself in top luxury destinations, building a global lifestyle ecosystem focused on craftsmanship and innovation.
    — John Archer, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of unique
Adjective
  • No, what’s so funny is that this is the first time that’s ever come up.
    — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The jokers Toth and Jackson, bless them, keep things endearing and funny.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of funny
Adjective
  • Its exceptional duration results from near-perfect celestial geometry.
    — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Similar to Abrams, the young shortstop had shown a knack for exceptional, highlight-reel plays while struggling with consistency.
    — Spencer Nusbaum, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of exceptional
Adjective
  • The animation is truly ugly, the characters moving at the framerate of a PowerPoint and looking less like the animals they’re supposed to be than weird hybrid troll creatures.
    — Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 21 Aug. 2026
  • And when the Stray Cats and the Blasters brought their rockabilly revivals to the mainstream in the Eighties, the Cramps were just too weird and nasty for primetime.
    — Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of weird
Adjective
  • The rare albino peacock that was injured during the incident in Pasadena.
    — Nicole Comstock, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • In a Texas hospital this week, doctors performed a complex, high-risk, open-heart surgery on a 6-day-old boy born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a rare congenital condition that rendered part of his heart underdeveloped.
    — Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of rare

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Cite this Entry

“Unusual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unusual. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of unusual for Spanish Speakers

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