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 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
  1. uncommon
  2. extraordinary
  3. strange
  4. unique
  5. funny
  6. exceptional
  7. weird
  8. rare
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
  • The Duchess of Sussex and Cookie Queens director Alysa Nahmias sat down for a Q&A session after the film, and, in photos from the event, eagle-eyed fans noticed a unique-looking ring on Meghan’s middle finger.
    — Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 4 Aug. 2026
  • As past and present echo through the mountains, human encroachment and indifference threaten to erase their unique spirit, and his story becomes a reflection of an age-old, unequal struggle.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of unique
Adjective
  • Bitingly funny in its comedy and wistful in its drama, the film rests on the delicate performance of newcomer Verma, a diminutive, age-appropriate actor who molds Ilyas in captivating ways.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 5 Aug. 2026
  • There are also funny cameos from Pete Davidson and Bobby Cannavale, both used well.
    — Randy Myers, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of funny
Adjective
  • The next useful signal is not another debate about whether SpaceX is exceptional.
    — Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Younger Americans are more likely to say their parents viewed them as exceptional.
    — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of exceptional
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
  • The infield prospect went 4 for -5 with four singles, also committing a rare double-error at third base.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The proposal, approved during a rare summer special session, would place before voters in November a constitutional amendment that clarifies how Maryland‘s congressional districts are drawn.
    — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of rare

Browse Nearby Words

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 11 Aug. 2026.

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