uncharacteristic

adjective

un·​char·​ac·​ter·​is·​tic ˌən-ˌker-ik-tə-ˈri-stik How to pronounce uncharacteristic (audio)
-ˌka-rik-
Synonyms of uncharacteristicnext
: not characteristic : not typical or distinctive
uncharacteristic outbursts of temper
uncharacteristically
ˌən-ˌker-ik-tə-ˈri-sti-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce uncharacteristic (audio)
-ˌka-rik-
adverb

Examples of uncharacteristic in a Sentence

It was an uncharacteristic outburst of temper. Her uncharacteristic silence bothered me.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The walks remain a persistent issue, an uncharacteristic one for Wheeler. — Charlotte Varnes, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026 Then, on lap 122, Palou made a third uncharacteristic error and crashed, bringing out a late caution. — Matt Reigle , Ryan Gaydos Outkick, FOXNews.com, 23 Aug. 2026 The couple manage to keep these two halves of their existence — so different in temperature and tempo — strictly separate, until an uncharacteristic accident throws them off balance. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 14 Aug. 2026 The process not only ushered in uncharacteristic darkness, but unveiled the outermost layer of the sun's atmosphere. — Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for uncharacteristic

Word History

First Known Use

1748, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of uncharacteristic was in 1748

Rhymes for uncharacteristic

See All Rhymes for uncharacteristic

Browse Nearby Words

unchaperoned
uncharacteristic
uncharge
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Uncharacteristic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/uncharacteristic. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for uncharacteristic

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