unlikeness
noun
: not like: such as
a
: different from
a landscape unlike any other
b
: not characteristic of
It was unlike him to be late.
c
: in a different manner from
spoke clearly, unlike the others
: in a manner that is different than : not as
Can unlike be used as a conjunction?: Usage Guide
The use of unlike as a conjunction is less common than conjunctive use of like and, while criticized, is not as frequently cited as an error. The conjunctive unlike almost always introduces a prepositional phrase.
unlike in other areas, the judiciary cannot justify its attempt … as a necessary evil
—
Alexandra M. Walsh, Stanford Law Rev.
Alexandra M. Walsh, Stanford Law Rev.
In spite of criticism, this conjunctive use of unlike is well established in both American and British English.
Examples of unlike in a Sentence
Adjective
a comparison of unlike things
you're trying to compare very unlike things—like those proverbial apples and oranges
Preposition
The plants that grow here are unlike the plants that grow where I live.
She's unlike anyone I've ever met.
Recent Examples on the Web
Judith Enck, Time, 1 Dec. 2025
But unlike diamonds, where the molecular structure is extremely compact, Robson’s material contained a huge number of large cavities, suggesting this could lead to the creation of new materials.
—Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2025
Will Harris, Vulture, 2 Jan. 2026
The chances of the ballot measure passing in November are uncertain, given the potential for enormous spending on the campaign — unlike statewide and other candidate races, there is no limit on the amount of money donors can contribute to support or oppose a ballot measure.
—Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 2 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unlike
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Adjective
What’s more, plastic—unlike glass and aluminum—loses its functionality when it’s recycled.
—Judith Enck, Time, 1 Dec. 2025
But unlike diamonds, where the molecular structure is extremely compact, Robson’s material contained a huge number of large cavities, suggesting this could lead to the creation of new materials.
—Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2025
Preposition
From 2011 to 2014, Suburgatory was unlike anything else on TV.
—Will Harris, Vulture, 2 Jan. 2026
The chances of the ballot measure passing in November are uncertain, given the potential for enormous spending on the campaign — unlike statewide and other candidate races, there is no limit on the amount of money donors can contribute to support or oppose a ballot measure.
—Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 2 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unlike
Cite this Entry
“Unlike.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unlike. Accessed 5 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
unlike
1 of 2 adjective
un·like
ˌən-ˈlīk 
ˈən-
1
: marked by differences
people are all unlike
2
: unequal sense 1a
contributed unlike amounts
unlikeness
noun
unlike
2 of 2 preposition1
: different from
feeling completely unlike a hero
2
: not typical of
it was unlike her to be late
3
: in a different manner from
behaving unlike all the other children
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