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 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
  1. uncommon
  2. extraordinary
  3. strange
  4. unique
  5. funny
  6. exceptional
  7. weird
  8. rare
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
  • That unique gallery purchased the building in 2018 for $3 million, but officials there didn’t begin planning its future in earnest until Cap City vacated its lease and closed in July 2025.
    — John Wenzel, Denver Post, 11 Oct. 2026
  • On Saturday, the singer and talk show host took to X to share details of her recent experience at Art of Play, a store known for its collection of toys, games, books, puzzles and other unique items.
    — Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of unique
Adjective
  • And Widow’s Bay was, of course, very successful at alternating between scary and funny bits.
    — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Ashton was charming, funny, ridiculously handsome, and fascinated by all things tech.
    — Chuck Lorre, Vanity Fair, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of funny
Adjective
  • The lifestyle here is anchored by an exceptional collection of amenities.
    — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 12 Oct. 2026
  • The territory is also looking at its exceptional biodiversity as a platform for innovation, particularly in beauty, pharmaceuticals and healthcare.
    — Panorama Media Ltd, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of exceptional
Adjective
  • One of those weird lizard things from NBC’s very similar Surface, a 2005 drama mostly, if barely, remembered by television critics?
    — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The matches were entertaining, in a weird, raw kind of way—slapstick football.
    — Vanda Mayer, New Yorker, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of weird
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

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Cite this Entry

“Unusual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unusual. Accessed 12 Oct. 2026.

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