Definition of unnaturalnext
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Synonym Chooser

How is the word unnatural distinct from other similar adjectives?

The words anomalous and irregular are common synonyms of unnatural. While all three words mean "not conforming to rule, law, or custom," unnatural suggests what is contrary to nature or to principles or standards felt to be essential to the well-being of civilized society.

prisoners treated with unnatural cruelty

When could anomalous be used to replace unnatural?

The meanings of anomalous and unnatural largely overlap; however, anomalous implies not conforming to what might be expected because of the class or type to which it belongs or the laws that govern its existence.

her drive made her an anomalous figure in a sleepy organization

When is irregular a more appropriate choice than unnatural?

The words irregular and unnatural are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, irregular implies not conforming to a law or regulation imposed for the sake of uniformity in method, practice, or conduct.

concerned about his irregular behavior

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 unnatural Attempting to behave in ways that feel deeply unnatural can make your team feel less comfortable with you. Kim Scott, CNBC, 22 Apr. 2026 While there are certainly products that can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and needs, hair products are often created with specific consumers in mind. Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 21 Apr. 2026 One of the most unnatural things astronauts have experienced is being on the dark side of the Moon and unable to see Earth. Richard Edwards, Space.com, 19 Apr. 2026 The words feel heavy and unnatural when O'Neal repeats them back to the doctor, like trying to blow a bubble and spitting out rocks instead. Courtney Crowder, USA Today, 10 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unnatural
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unnatural
Adjective
  • What to Know About Breast Cancer in Dogs Breast cancers in dogs are often referred to as mammary tumors, which develop from abnormal replication of breast tissue cells, according to Atlantic Coast New York Veterinary Specialists.
    Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Cancer Cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow and multiply uncontrollably, forming tumors.
    Lindsay Curtis, Health, 28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Redick has had to shuffle the roster pieces around since, using the final five games of the regular season to assess his rotation options without Doncic and Reaves, who also missed 19 straight games from Christmas until February with a strained calf.
    Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Earlier in the day, Charles delivered a rare address to a joint session of Congress, highlighting the second day of his four-day state visit and placing the spotlight on the strained but enduring relationship between his country and the United States.
    Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The boy’s mother, Tommi Jo Mejer, 50, of Aliso Viejo, was arrested days after the accident and charged with child endangerment, accessory after the fact, contributing to the delinquency of a minor and providing false information to a peace officer.
    Fedor Zarkhin, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026
  • The boy’s mother, 50-year-old Tommi Jo Mejer of Aliso Viejo, was later arrested and charged with felony child endangerment, being an accessory after the fact and several misdemeanors, including contributing to the delinquency of a minor and providing false information to a peace officer.
    Sydney Barragan, Oc Register, 1 May 2026
Adjective
  • Analysts published mock drafts with the Panthers taking Jordyn Tyson and Omar Cooper Jr.
    Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 28 Apr. 2026
  • The segment was the comedian's mock alternative speech to the White House Correspondents' dinner, which aired two days before the real event the Trumps attended together ended in gunfire.
    Mandalit del Barco, NPR, 27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The wayward booster was spotted by independent astronomer Bill Gray, who develops and sells software dedicated to tracking celestial objects both artificial and natural.
    Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 1 May 2026
  • That there is no need to fill consciousness at all moments with the artificial urgencies of screens, of emails, of texts, of social media; the real urgencies of the bright-eyed woodpecker above my head will always be vastly more interesting.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 May 2026
Adjective
  • In 2016, its Swiss Alp model took a lighthearted jab at the tech industry, introducing a high-end mechanical timekeeper resembling the Apple Watch.
    Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 2 May 2026
  • Felix Bohnsack, a twenty-two-year-old mechanical-engineering student, was ostensibly coördinating the work.
    Jessica Camille Aguirre, New Yorker, 2 May 2026
Adjective
  • Prosecutors allege Burke later bought a shovel, chainsaws, a body bag, and a blue inflatable kiddie pool under a fake name online, and used the items to dismember Rivas in his garage.
    Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 1 May 2026
  • Artificial Plants Designer Ashley Hauza says a fake ficus tree on a porch isn't going to fool anyone.
    Tessa Cooper, The Spruce, 1 May 2026
Adjective
  • Tontey’s Karamoy becomes literally larger than life, with three breasts and exaggerated muscles, a physical manifestation of her will toward self-determination.
    Harrison Jacobs, ARTnews.com, 29 Apr. 2026
  • The exaggerated use of black in this trendy backyard by Allweather Landscape gives the space a super modern and moody look.
    Cori Sears, The Spruce, 29 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Unnatural.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unnatural. Accessed 3 May. 2026.

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