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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 The Red Sox are just an unnatural fit for that, given the current construction of the roster. Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 June 2025 His footwork and instincts at third base are unnatural regardless of the maximum effort Chisholm Jr. has put into playing the position. Wayne G. McDonnell, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025 As unnatural as the mix of languages sounds, that defining quality of the educational program is a key component of why Dora has endured so long. Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 5 July 2025 At the time, unnatural hair color was considered gaudy, a threat to the beloved ingenue aesthetic boasted by female stars such as Audrey Hepburn. Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 30 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for unnatural
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unnatural
Adjective
  • This mutation produces an abnormal transthyretin (TTR) protein that misfolds and forms amyloid deposits in the heart.
    Patty Weasler, Verywell Health, 14 July 2025
  • Retinopathy of prematurity is an eye disease that impacts premature babies and occurs when there is abnormal growth of the blood vessels in the retina.
    Ramal Nasim Updated July 14, Kansas City Star, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • There has been a gradual normalization of ties between India and China in recent months after relations were deeply strained in June 2020, when a brutal hand-to-hand battle in the Galwan Valley left at least 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers dead.
    Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 24 July 2025
  • The Taliban’s strained relationships with Iran and Pakistan further complicate reintegration efforts.
    Natasha Lindstaedt, Forbes.com, 17 July 2025
Adjective
  • He’s hosted several world leaders for explosive Oval Office sit downs, including South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who Trump argued with over false claims that white farmers in the country were victims of a genocide, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in February.
    Sara Dorn, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • Soliman's lawyers said the government's claims about Soliman and the Muslim Brotherhood are false.
    Victoria Moorwood, The Enquirer, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • The analytics department had built a mock draft simulator to get a feel for how the board might shake out before the Panthers selected at their No. 57 spot.
    Mike Kaye July 22, Charlotte Observer, 22 July 2025
  • In early March, the command's fighter jets and a U.S. bomber carried out a mock interception over Alaska, showcasing its ability to defend the continent at a moment's notice.
    Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 July 2025
Adjective
  • Subscribe now Like other experts whom CNBC spoke to, Raghunathan established market manipulation as deliberately misleading or influencing prices and trading volumes to create artificial trends or unfair advantages, such as pump-and-dump schemes and wash trading.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 18 July 2025
  • The formula delivers the classic Coca-Cola taste that Americans are familiar with domestically. Kennedy Jr. has pushed food manufacturers to phase out artificial food dyes from American products as well as reduce sugar levels.
    Mandy Taheri Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 July 2025
Adjective
  • Driving through deep water can also affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 22 July 2025
  • Driving through deep water can also damage a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.
    KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 22 July 2025
Adjective
  • How tariff news fuels some scams The Better Business Bureau warned earlier this summer that some scammers are using fake excuses involving delays caused by tariffs to cover up fraudulent online orders.
    Susan Tompor, Freep.com, 24 July 2025
  • Sophie uncovers Margo's elaborate cover-up, which involved help from her estranged brother Kyle (Michael Aaron Milligan) and a fake alibi from her father, Doc Blevins (David Jensen).
    Allison DeGrushe Published, EW.com, 23 July 2025
Adjective
  • Israel says its forces have only fired warning shots and that the death toll is exaggerated.
    Wafaa Shurafa, Chicago Tribune, 23 July 2025
  • Teenage emotions are unpredictable and often exaggerated, so the end of a boy band who had consumed so much of my mind for so long was devastating.
    Sam Woodward, USA Today, 23 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Unnatural.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unnatural. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on unnatural

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