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 While there are certain 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. Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 13 June 2026 The whole thing felt unnatural. Matt Gelb, New York Times, 6 June 2026 Meet the ghost root, an edgy trend that is proudly unnatural and visually striking. Diana Tsui, Footwear News, 29 May 2026 In a nearby tent was Zuhoor Musa Abdul Rahman, a 30-year-old housewife who recounted with unnatural calm the horrors that spurred her to flee El Fasher, a city some 300 miles east of Obeid. Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for unnatural
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unnatural
Adjective
  • Haney reminded jurors that despising the rich isn’t a crime, much less an abnormal opinion.
    Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2026
  • Others develop dangerous fluctuations in blood pressure and abnormal heart rhythms because the autonomic nervous system becomes affected.
    Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 23 June 2026
Adjective
  • Then there’s the risk of higher frustration and strained relationships across an organization.
    Kamya Elawadhi, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • But for Chris Williams, an 18-year employee of the California Department of Education, the contentious return-to-office process may have teed up a strained relationship with downtown.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2026
Adjective
  • The charge alleges a person knowingly defrauded another by using false or misleading information to obtain money, property, credit or a loan.
    Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2026
  • Opponents of Amendment 5 have flatly called the advertisement misleading or false.
    Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2026
Adjective
  • On Thursday, Gary Police Department personnel visited campers to teach about crime scene investigation and create a mock crime scene for students to solve.
    Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2026
  • An 11-year-old Dexter Sol Ansell is peering into his Zoom camera, hands pressed to his cheeks and mouth wide open in mock shock.
    Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • The West should also stop drawing artificial distinctions that favor Russian escalation management over Ukrainian survival.
    David A. Deptula, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • Instead of using artificial colors, look for ingredients that naturally fit the bill.
    Kate Williams, AJC.com, 29 June 2026
Adjective
  • Driving through deep water can also negatively affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 28 June 2026
  • Shawn was a fireman in the Navy, maintaining the engineering and mechanical systems aboard ship, during his first stint.
    Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2026
Adjective
  • First was a Drug Enforcement Administration badge and ID with Horsch’s photo on it, but the ID was fake, and Horsch has never worked for the DEA, according to court documents.
    Danny Freeman, CNN Money, 1 July 2026
  • This game preserves the difficulty of coming up with an elaborate, consistent false narrative on the spot, and the challenge of adapting that narrative on the fly when other players present convincing (and sometimes fake) counter-evidence.
    Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 30 June 2026
Adjective
  • But outside experts and Ukrainian soldiers who spoke to CNN say Russia’s claims of advancement are exaggerated and come as the Kremlin is likely trying to project a narrative of success to counter the impact of recent Ukrainian strikes inside Russia.
    Daria Tarasova-Markina, CNN Money, 24 June 2026
  • According to Nahmias, the low-top shoe’s design is meant to capture the mountainous ranges that meet the water throughout California and features an upper inspired by a popular skate shoe paired with an exaggerated sole made of lightweight materials.
    Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 24 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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