UNUSUAL Synonyms: 75 Similar and Opposite Words

unusual

adjective

ˌən-ˈyü-zhə-wəl

Definition of unusual

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

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 company’s recently launched self-audit tool alerts departments of searches that may seem unusual compared to the agency’s normal usage, the AJC previously reported. — Taylor Croft, AJC.com, 9 Aug. 2026 He was then taken directly to the court for a highly unusual Sunday night sitting and was remanded in custody afterwards. — CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026 These unusual encounters are more than fascinating natural history. — Cyril Grueter, Scientific American, 8 Aug. 2026 This is so unusual that doctors only consider it when everything else has been ruled out, Ghantous said. — Kerry Breen, CBS News, 8 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unusual

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unusual

Adjective

Performance reviews under the CZMA are not uncommon — most states are subject to a routine review every five to 10 years — but what’s unusual in this case is that California had just undergone a review during the Biden administration.

— Rosanna Xia, Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 2026
But nobody can prove how uncommon, because the ones that arrive with a gag order never appear in anybody’s count.

— Michael Leone, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of uncommon

Adjective

Six hundred pieces from this extraordinary private collection are featured in an oversized coffee table book, My Time - Blu blu l’amore è blu, published by Christie’s auction house.

— Irene S. Levine, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Bringing home a massive 75-inch Sony Bravia display panel with Sony Pictures Core high-bitrate streaming credits and dedicated PS5 gaming auto-calibration for under $900 is an extraordinary value.

— Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of extraordinary

Adjective

Investigators later ruled out trains and power lines as possible causes — and traced the fire’s point of origin to the same spot Child witnessed the man’s strange behavior.

— Cindy Von Quednow, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026
And Dad actually makes an uncredited vocal cameo on one of the album’s more blessedly strange tracks.

— Chris Willman, Variety, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of strange

Adjective

This unique account type has a variable rate that will be more responsive to market conditions, unlike the CD which will hold until the maturity date arrives.

— Matt Richardson, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
Ganos said the 97 carts are also unique because of their perfect condition, that much like comic books or sports cards, often sell higher.

— ABC News, ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of unique

Adjective

Sarcasm is an interesting thing because it can be viewed by some people as funny and other people as hurtful.

— Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 12 Aug. 2026
A little bit funny, a lot cheesy and completely, unabashedly earnest, her Liz is — like moms everywhere — at once a perfectly ordinary woman and the center of the universe.

— Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of funny

Adjective

The city’s street style continues to champion weird-but-it-works combinations over predictable formulas, and individuality above all else.

— Kelsey Stewart, InStyle, 7 Aug. 2026
The vibes are awkward all around, and things only get weirder when Emira pulls Georgia aside to chat.

— Tom Smyth, Vulture, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of weird

Adjective

These falcons and other birds of prey were once rare in the region, with their population even reaching zero at one point.

— Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
Although postpartum psychosis is rare, Leistikow said, families can take steps to prepare, particularly if the mother has a history of mental illness.

— Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of rare

Browse Nearby Words

unused

unusual

unusually

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“Unusual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unusual. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of unusual

adjective

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