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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 Movies have long cherished the contrast between a ballerina’s delicacy and lithe visuals with the gritty determination required to leap, dance and twirl in the highly unnatural way that is dancing on your toes. Stephen Schaefer, Boston Herald, 31 May 2025 Your concerns are valid: The eyes are the most delicate and expressive features on the face, and poor outcomes can lead to unnatural shape, drooping lids, asymmetry or problems with vision if the surgery is done improperly. Carlos Wolf, Miami Herald, 29 May 2025 But an elephant behavior expert from Cornell University told the Animal Activist Legal Defense Project that the show forces the animals to participate in unnatural behaviors, the group said. Katie Langford, Denver Post, 22 May 2025 And the body's first reaction to any unnatural cell death is to start a defense mechanism. Kristen Jordan Shamus, USA Today, 19 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for unnatural
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unnatural
Adjective
  • According to investigators, the medical records showed that an amphetamine urine screen was abnormal and presumptive positive.
    Staff report, Hartford Courant, 8 June 2025
  • Two incredible teams making an abnormal number of mistakes in the field and on the basepaths, which can often be the case on such a stage.
    Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 5 June 2025
Adjective
  • Coulombe has been out since May 5 with a strained left forearm.
    Aaron Gleeman, New York Times, 7 June 2025
  • The official synopsis for Father Mother Sister Brother reads: Estranged siblings reunite after years apart, forced to confront unresolved tensions and reevaluate their strained relationships with their emotionally distant parents.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • Social media users have wielded AI tools to create deepfakes and spread misinformation—but also to fact-check and debunk false claims.
    Andrew R. Chow, Time, 12 June 2025
  • On Wednesday, Dobbins addressed the story about his false claims.
    Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 12 June 2025
Adjective
  • The couple misspelled words a few times during their mock challenge against him.
    Joey Nolfi Published, EW.com, 2 June 2025
  • For instance, Martinez explained, the program provides an experiential understanding of the workings of city government in a day when participants take on roles in a mock city council meeting with the mayor.
    Nicole Gregory, Oc Register, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • And Silicon Valley is steeped in the idea that all of this will come about thanks to the imminent arrival of artificial general intelligence (AGI), a point at which artificial intelligence equals that of humans and then iterates upon itself, growing exponentially more brilliant with every version.
    Alex Morris, Rolling Stone, 15 June 2025
  • Steve Terrien will take on those challenges with some extraordinary personal ones of his own: an artificial limb and a recent diagnosis of prostate cancer.
    George Petras, USA Today, 13 June 2025
Adjective
  • Modern vehicles aren’t just mechanical marvels anymore—they’re software platforms on wheels.
    John Ellis, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
  • Speciale is a twin-turbo V-6 engine that, combined with an electric motor, makes 867 mechanical horsepower.
    Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 16 June 2025
Adjective
  • There’s a backdrop of fake news and collective anxiety.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 5 June 2025
  • Federal agents concluded that many of the documents, which were turned over by an attorney representing the restaurant, were fake or falsified, according to the warrant.
    Roxana Popescu, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 June 2025
Adjective
  • The artwork is silly and exaggerated to capture youngsters’ attention.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 28 May 2025
  • Uber Technologies Woods named Uber his favorite long-term stock, and said any notion that Tesla could pose a competitive threat to the ride sharing company is exaggerated.
    Brian Evans, CNBC, 22 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Unnatural.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unnatural. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on unnatural

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