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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unusual
But the boys also casually tell stories about the deprivations of their previous life, a reminder of how unusual their childhoods have been by American standards.
—
Sacha Pfeiffer, NPR, 27 May 2025
While the timing off the surgery was a bit unusual, Tremble’s importance to the lineup — and the quick turnaround for rehabilitation — made the decision palatable to the organization.
—Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 27 May 2025
Those events may have informed the decision by Merseyside Police, which also responded to the Southport attacks, to quickly release the information that the suspect was White – an unusual step in the early hours of an investigation.
—Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 27 May 2025
In an unusual step earlier this month, five former directors of the National Weather Service signed an open letter warning that the Trump administration’s cuts to the weather service and its parent agency NOAA may endanger lives.
—Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 27 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for unusual
Sacha Pfeiffer, NPR, 27 May 2025
While the timing off the surgery was a bit unusual, Tremble’s importance to the lineup — and the quick turnaround for rehabilitation — made the decision palatable to the organization.
—Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 27 May 2025
Those events may have informed the decision by Merseyside Police, which also responded to the Southport attacks, to quickly release the information that the suspect was White – an unusual step in the early hours of an investigation.
—Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 27 May 2025
In an unusual step earlier this month, five former directors of the National Weather Service signed an open letter warning that the Trump administration’s cuts to the weather service and its parent agency NOAA may endanger lives.
—Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 27 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for unusual
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unusual
Adjective
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Disagreeing with your boss is not uncommon, but there are ways to make your criticism stick without involving others—in this case, the American public.—
Maria Gracia Santillana Linares,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
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Michael Goldfarb, an employment attorney and CEO of Guardian HR, told Newsweek that the scenario described in the Reddit post is not uncommon.—
Soo Kim,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 June 2025
Adjective
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But Madigan’s extraordinary four days of testimony, in the end, weren’t enough.—
Ray Long,
Chicago Tribune,
15 June 2025
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This extraordinary high-altitude migration highlights the their unique physiological adaptations, offering valuable insight into how animals can evolve to overcome extreme environmental challenges.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
15 June 2025
Adjective
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The Dominican Republic had a moment of its own to celebrate in the 51st minute, though its first-ever Gold Cup goal came in strange circumstances.—
Jon Arnold,
New York Times,
15 June 2025
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New York seems to be working with the impression that Kidd won't be available, but stranger things have happened before.—
Matt Levine,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 June 2025
Adjective
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His unparalleled talent and unique spirit created the soundtrack of so many lives around the globe, including our own.—
Lisa Respers France,
CNN Money,
12 June 2025
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Beyond opening the door to working with Nashville producers and songwriters, Gerson also connected Juárez and León with Universal Music Group chief Lucian Grainge, who in June 2024 helped formulate a unique partnership between Virgin Music Group, Island Records and Socios Music.—
Leila Cobo,
Billboard,
12 June 2025
Adjective
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From funny reactions to adorable giggles, see some of the best moments from Thursday's big game Comments Taylor Swift is back in her sporty era!—
Alexandra Schonfeld,
People.com,
13 June 2025
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Roman is my kind of Virgil—chatty, funny, forgiving, sharp.—
Marina Harss,
New Yorker,
13 June 2025
Adjective
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Barring an exceptional situation, such as an injury crisis, he is not expected to play regularly for the first team — despite appearing in five games this season and scoring his first senior goal in May.—
Guillermo Rai,
New York Times,
13 June 2025
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From San Francisco to Seoul, these 58 extraordinary watering holes serve up exceptional cocktails, stunning design and world-class service.—
Forbes Staff,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2025
Adjective
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More Getty Images Adam Scott's weird practice round revealed As Scott prepares for the final showdown, a viral video has added much more interest in his golf swing.—
Devlina Sarkar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 June 2025
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Plus there are the weird noises coming from a locked backroom upstairs.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
14 June 2025
Adjective
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Accidents in that phase of flight are rare, said Paul Hayes, safety director at UK consultancy Cirium Ascend.—
Allison Lampert,
USA Today,
14 June 2025
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But similar events have been fairly rare in the United States.—
Joe Walsh,
CBS News,
14 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unusual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unusual. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.
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