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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 some can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and concerns, many are created with specific consumers and their needs in mind. Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 5 Apr. 2025 The body can also adapt to constant stress by staying in a heightened state of alertness, making peace feel unnatural. Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025 His wife has now been charged with first degree murder and felony concealing an unnatural death. Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 2 Apr. 2025 Ultimately, the distinction between natural and unnatural immigration remained murky in practice. Made By History, Time, 26 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unnatural
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unnatural
Adjective
  • Symptoms of the condition can include shortness of breath, a sudden drop in blood pressure, an abnormal heart rate, and bleeding from the uterus, C-section, or IV sites.
    Korin Miller, SELF, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Tau tangles are also implicated in other neurological diseases such as frontal lobe dementia, or FTD, and Lewy body dementia in which abnormal clumps of a protein called alpha-synuclein accumulate in the brain’s neurons.
    Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • But the discussion around Golden this season has been muted, strained and careful all the way to the end, Monday’s dramatic 65-63 comeback win against Houston to seize the title.
    Joe Rexrode, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Throughout the series, the strained relationship between father and son highlights the repercussions of family communication breakdowns.
    Laurel Donnellan, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • But the jitters still shook him, a false-start whistle blowing on his first 40-yard attempt at February’s NFL combine.
    Luca Evans, Denver Post, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Sanchez and her co-conspirators created false documents for the victims, including Permanent Residence cards and Social Security cards, and helped the victims find employment in the Hartford area.
    Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 12 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Without further ado, here is the sixth iteration of mock drafts, with this being the mock draft just before the final one, which will be put out on the day of the draft.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Here’s our latest projections, in the Star-Telegram’s mock draft 2.0: FIRST ROUND 1.
    Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • No more tight ringlets—only soft, unfurled, velvety hair that moved with the artificial grace of a shampoo commercial actress who's probably wearing extensions anyway.
    Liz Krieger, Allure, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Bees are said to be more drawn to feeders featuring yellow parts, such as artificial flowers or bee guards, says Witko.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Driving through deep water can also negatively affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.
    KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 17 Apr. 2025
  • New talent: We were introduced to Lederer this year and were totally in awe of his amazing mechanical wonders.
    Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Expect more fake eggs made of colored marshmallows or even potatoes on this year’s Easter spread With egg prices stubbornly high, the internet has offered up a host of alternatives, with crafters painting rocks and influencers dyeing everything from marshmallows to potatoes.
    William Lambers, Hartford Courant, 18 Apr. 2025
  • This dog sofa features furniture-quality construction, with fake leather upholstery, memory foam internal padding and legs to hold it off the floor.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Funny and sad, exaggerated and honest, Youssef and Brady’s series offers escape and catharsis, all at the same time.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Melodrama gets a bad rap for being too exaggerated, and over-the-top but outrageous circumstances beget heightened emotions.
    Barry Levitt, Time, 9 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Unnatural.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unnatural. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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