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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unusual
But the boys also casually tell stories about the deprivations of their previous life, a reminder of how unusual their childhoods have been by American standards.
—
Sacha Pfeiffer, NPR, 27 May 2025
While the timing off the surgery was a bit unusual, Tremble’s importance to the lineup — and the quick turnaround for rehabilitation — made the decision palatable to the organization.
—Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 27 May 2025
Those events may have informed the decision by Merseyside Police, which also responded to the Southport attacks, to quickly release the information that the suspect was White – an unusual step in the early hours of an investigation.
—Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 27 May 2025
In an unusual step earlier this month, five former directors of the National Weather Service signed an open letter warning that the Trump administration’s cuts to the weather service and its parent agency NOAA may endanger lives.
—Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 27 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for unusual
Sacha Pfeiffer, NPR, 27 May 2025
While the timing off the surgery was a bit unusual, Tremble’s importance to the lineup — and the quick turnaround for rehabilitation — made the decision palatable to the organization.
—Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 27 May 2025
Those events may have informed the decision by Merseyside Police, which also responded to the Southport attacks, to quickly release the information that the suspect was White – an unusual step in the early hours of an investigation.
—Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 27 May 2025
In an unusual step earlier this month, five former directors of the National Weather Service signed an open letter warning that the Trump administration’s cuts to the weather service and its parent agency NOAA may endanger lives.
—Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 27 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for unusual
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unusual
Adjective
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Disagreeing with your boss is not uncommon, but there are ways to make your criticism stick without involving others—in this case, the American public.—
Maria Gracia Santillana Linares,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
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The idea of achieving ‘dominion’ over the world and society is not uncommon in charismatic Christian theology, according to religious scholar Matthew Taylor, who studies Christian Nationalism.—
Lauren Costantino,
Miami Herald,
6 June 2025
Adjective
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Quite simply, the earlier investors participate in this extraordinary country’s transformation, the greater the rewards will be.—
Djasur Djumaev,
Forbes.com,
3 June 2025
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That’s either extreme confidence or extraordinary stupidity, or some combination.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
3 June 2025
Adjective
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After coming to the Mets at the trade deadline, Blackburn had a serious of strange injuries, getting hit by a line drive on his hand, and then suffering from a spinal fluid leak that required surgery.—
Abbey Mastracco,
New York Daily News,
3 June 2025
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There, the homeowner said a stranger barefoot and clad only in black shorts — later identified as Schaefer — opened the unlocked back door and came inside.—
Meredith Colias-Pete,
Chicago Tribune,
2 June 2025
Adjective
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This is not unique to Arizona, Famiglietti said, with similar signs of disappearing groundwater happening in the agriculture-heavy Central Valley in California.—
Ella Nilsen,
CNN Money,
31 May 2025
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But that physical training couldn’t prepare him for the unique psychological experience of reaching the top of the world--and then returning safely.—
Mark Joyella,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2025
Adjective
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Because to us, the most funny things are right next to the most tragic things.—
Lorraine Ali,
Los Angeles Times,
31 May 2025
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There are enough quotable lines of dialogue in the movie’s first half to remind you why Succession was, pound for pound, one of the most profanely funny shows on TV during its run.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
31 May 2025
Adjective
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The site is exceptional: The North Branch of the Chicago River winds through its full length, offering an opportunity to weave parkland through the development.—
Edward Keegan,
Chicago Tribune,
1 June 2025
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All of our leathers are carefully selected from the finest tanneries in the world for their exceptional quality and functional capability.—
Felicity Carter,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2025
Adjective
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Can't wait for the weird personality quirks and side eye of judgment.—
Lucy Notarantonio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 June 2025
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Historically, Nintendo has had a weird relationship with the internet.—
Jordan Minor,
PC Magazine,
3 June 2025
Adjective
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Sip rare rums at Dunn’s Rum Club in Jamaica Courtesy of Sandals Resorts Every trip deserves a good toast, and at Sandals Dunn’s River, the Rum Club knows precisely how to pour it.—
Sandals Resorts,
AFAR Media,
2 June 2025
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Replacing Ryan Nembhard at point guard is Braeden Smith, the 2024 Patriot League Player of the Year who was the rare transfer willing to actually sit out a year, learning the Gonzaga way as Nembhard’s understudy.—
CJ Moore,
New York Times,
2 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unusual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unusual. Accessed 14 Jun. 2025.
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