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
Relevance
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
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Recent Examples of unusual
Some lawyers in Texas have spoken out in criticism of a judge who was seen on video in a tense exchange with an IT worker, prompting an escalating, unusual and public feud.
—
Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
Charter was accused in the lawsuit of sending Lyons to the scene without proper warning, training or safety equipment, in an unusual case that raised questions about the responsibility of news organizations to protect journalists covering violent crime.
—Cristóbal Reyes, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2026
These unusual sports are often violent, painful, or both.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
Swalwell has denied any wrongdoing in the matter, and a release of records from that investigation now would be unusual.
—Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unusual
Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
Charter was accused in the lawsuit of sending Lyons to the scene without proper warning, training or safety equipment, in an unusual case that raised questions about the responsibility of news organizations to protect journalists covering violent crime.
—Cristóbal Reyes, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2026
These unusual sports are often violent, painful, or both.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
Swalwell has denied any wrongdoing in the matter, and a release of records from that investigation now would be unusual.
—Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unusual
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unusual
Adjective
-
How Guthrie will specifically handle her moment cannot yet be known, but those who know her (that The Hollywood Reporter spoke with) say it will surely be done with uncommon levels of grace and professionalism.—
Tony Maglio,
HollywoodReporter,
3 Apr. 2026
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With attacks on health care workers not uncommon, most safety officers at major Massachusetts hospitals have defensive tools.—
Cheryl Fiandaca,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Her credits this decade include a complex and crucial supporting part in Mare of Easttown, an Emmy-winning guest appearance on Hacks, a turn opposite Nicolas Cage in Dream Scenario, and a starring role in Annie Baker’s extraordinary indie film Janet Planet.—
Keith Phipps,
Vulture,
30 Mar. 2026
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Nyad is an extraordinary example, but researchers say a positive attitude is key.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Some 18 months ago, Mack said, the Royals launched a deep dive after Picollo broached the possibility of exploring strange new worlds.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
31 Mar. 2026
-
But rather than avoiding strange quantum phenomena such as superposition and entanglement, Bennett and Brassard embraced them.—
Joseph Howlett,
Scientific American,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The Breakfast Ride and Cowboy Cookout are two unique dining experiences the whole family will love, and adult guests will appreciate the new spa planned for late 2027.—
Julie Bielenberg,
USA Today,
4 Apr. 2026
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Smith ties that capacity back to his father’s meticulous personality and appreciation of finer unique things.—
David Caraccio
April 4,
Sacbee.com,
4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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There’s a funny reason why the pain flares in your upper face and forehead, a bit of a distance from the area responsible for the cold.—
Julia Daye,
Popular Science,
2 Apr. 2026
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As funny as her life seems, like everyone's, serious moments pepper the comedy.—
David Oliver,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The dim sum at Yan Ting, the Cantonese restaurant, is exceptional, each dumpling a small, perfect bite.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
1 Apr. 2026
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However, the company says the bike offers exceptional range and ultra-fast charging.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Everyone got obsessed with weird things in the pandemic, like jigsaw puzzles or baking sourdough.—
Kate Bradshaw,
Mercury News,
27 Mar. 2026
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Running a restaurant can do some weird things to your head.—
Sam Stone,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The decision drew immediate fire from El-Sayed's primary opponents and national Democratic figures, forcing a rare public reckoning over how far the party should go to recapture young men who abandoned it in record numbers in 2024.—
Jesus Mesa,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
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That would be a rare bit of good news from our embrace of AI.—
Jeremy Kahn,
Fortune,
31 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unusual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unusual. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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