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 An unusual shape, a handmade glaze or a slightly odd subject can make thrift store home decor feel far more meaningful than anything picked off a shelf. — Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 25 July 2026 Because of the nature of unique formation and structure of burls, grain formation is unusual, creating swirling patterns that can be very beautiful. — Pamm Cooper, Hartford Courant, 25 July 2026 Direct transmission of cancer cells between humans is extremely rare and usually involves unusual medical circumstances. — Dr. Yonathan Daniel, ABC News, 25 July 2026 No players were made available, which is unusual on training camp’s reporting day. — Cam Inman, Mercury News, 25 July 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
  • For women like Toyama, growing up in the 1960s and ‘70s, divorce was uncommon – and often met with judgment and shame.
    — Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 26 July 2026
  • Fares, 68, has a rags-to-riches story not uncommon in Lebanon.
    — Jane Arraf, NPR, 26 July 2026
Definition of uncommon
Adjective
  • The wider festival celebrated speed, engineering and extraordinary cars, while Future Lab looked at what might be waiting around the next bend.
    — Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 24 July 2026
  • Paying a toll can void a vessel’s entire insurance policy, creating an extraordinary risk for shipping companies.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 24 July 2026
Definition of extraordinary
Adjective
  • The catfish in that Vermont lake has joined a very strange club.
    — John Drake, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • Of all the peculiar assignments a newspaper reporter can undertake, writing advance obituaries for local notables who are still very much alive is one of the strangest.
    — Suzanne Van Atten, AJC.com, 26 July 2026
Definition of strange
Adjective
  • Many of them feature amenities like a basketball court, weight rooms and a pool, while others may have unique features like boxing gyms or an ice rink.
    — Rashad Alexander, Kansas City Star, 22 July 2026
  • Because there’s a certain level of difficulty involved in taking a song fans know well, and expect to hear a particular way, and successfully putting a unique spin upon it.
    — Jim Ryan, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
Definition of unique
Adjective
  • In reality, admissions officers routinely remember essays that are joyful, funny, intellectually playful, or quietly reflective.
    — Dr. Liz Doe Stone, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • Besides being a talented singer, Babyface is also a funny and engaging performer.
    — Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado July 22, Sacbee.com, 22 July 2026
Definition of funny
Adjective
  • Investors need the company to grow into something exceptional.
    — Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
  • However, Akey is an exceptional skater, reads plays well and can pass the puck with aplomb.
    — Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 26 July 2026
Definition of exceptional
Adjective
  • Tracking the sky to such depths, such resolution and for such a long time practically guarantees that a bevy of weird and baffling phenomena will emerge from the LSST data.
    — Phil Plait, Scientific American, 24 July 2026
  • Some of it was weird, some of it was creepy and some was awe-inspiring.
    — Yasmin Vossoughian, NBC news, 24 July 2026
Definition of weird
Adjective
  • Southern Louisiana was under tropical storm and extreme heat warnings for much of Wednesday — a rare double dose of suffering, the National Weather Service said.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 23 July 2026
  • Sensing a rare viewing opportunity, the team followed the pod by boat.
    — Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 23 July 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 27 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of unusual for Spanish Speakers

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