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 This isn’t entirely unusual, as Meghan has rarely been seen with the sparkler. — Allison Degrushe, StyleCaster, 16 Oct. 2026 Continue reading … -- IN OTHER NEWS ANNUAL RECKONING — Texas woman gets unusual punishment after killing college student in DUI crash. — FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2026 Severe or unusual neck pain, particularly when accompanied by a headache, dizziness or neurological symptoms, could indicate cervical artery dissection. — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2026 The rules are designed to keep games moving and add unusual scoring twists. — Jacob Beltran, San Antonio Express-News, 16 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
  • Although chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy is now standard treatment for advanced SCLC, long-lasting responses remain uncommon.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Most theme puzzles contain sets that are visually identifiable to solvers because of either the arrangement of their entries or an uncommon clue feature like italics or brackets.
    — Caitlin Lovinger, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of uncommon
Adjective
  • View gallery - 4 images For all the extraordinary things that consumer 3D printers can produce, changing color has remained a surprisingly messy business.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Explore its waterfalls, glaciers and volcanic landscapes, and treat any aurora sightings as an extraordinary bonus.
    — Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of extraordinary
Adjective
  • That sentence would have sounded like insanity a few decades ago, but in the strange world of Hollywood in the 2020s, weirder might really be better.
    — Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Fielder is a refreshingly candid guide through this strange land.
    — David Mack, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of strange
Adjective
  • But only United States has this unique intelligence to say, to tell us, to tell our side when Russia uses ballistic missiles.
    — NBC news, NBC news, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Revamping a historic building with unique architecture has posed some difficulties, said Karademas.
    — Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of unique
Adjective
  • As the country hurtles toward a pivotal but divisive election, Netflix has done us all a favor by dropping four documentaries about really funny people this month.
    — Stuart Miller, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026
  • New York is getting roasted for an awkward giveaway T-shirt gaffe, made funnier by the team proudly posting the evidence on social media.
    — Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of funny
Adjective
  • When machines can instantly replicate the average, the only true moat is the exceptional.
    — Matt Alt, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
  • The Brewers have an exceptional amount of talent too, and Murphy's routine of pretending like his team is a bunch of humble farmers who were playing stickball out back a few days ago is absurd and offensive.
    — Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of exceptional
Adjective
  • By Sean McGowan THURSDAY PUZZLE — Welcome back to Thursday, the day of the week where the crossword gets weirder and the wordplay gets wilder.
    — Sean McGowan, New York Times, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Astronomers were left with the troublesome task of pairing up two weird objects, smushing them together and hoping to get Lucifer as a result.
    — Robin George Andrews, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of weird
Adjective
  • In a recent rare interview with chum Matthew McConaughey, Bryan suggested that his songwriting-and-touring tear since leaving the Navy may be coming to a close soon.
    — Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 20 Oct. 2026
  • But these mergers are far too rare to explain the abundance of heavier elements in the universe.
    — Robin George Andrews, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of rare

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unusual
unusually
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Cite this Entry

“Unusual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unusual. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

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