UNNATURAL Synonyms: 172 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

unnatural

adjective

ˌən-ˈna-chə-rəl

Definition of unnatural

as in abnormal

departing from some accepted standard of what is normal the documentary evinces an unnatural obsession with the gruesome details of the disaster

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in strained

lacking in natural or spontaneous quality just before the debate, the candidates flashed unnatural smiles for the cameras

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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 Jackson County District Attorney's office has previously said convening a grand jury does not mean there is any criminality and is standard procedure for most unnatural or suspicious deaths in the county. — Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026 Decoteau was there, sipping his beautifully unnatural lemonade. — Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026 That unnatural gait could lead to pelvic pain or worsen back or sciatica pain. — Andee Tagle, NPR, 15 Aug. 2026 The super-aggressive rear-wheel steering feels unnatural and impossible. — Andrew P. Collins, The Drive, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unnatural

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unnatural

Adjective

Until recently, diagnosing Alzheimer’s required a medical history and exam as well as postmortem evidence of two abnormal proteins associated with the disease called amyloid and tau.

— Anand Kumar, The Conversation, 26 Aug. 2026
The audit assistance tool, now a requirement by Flock Safety, flags abnormal use by officers.

— Mark Morales, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of abnormal

Adjective

Some are dealing with strained budgets and exorbitant medical bills, while others avoid the doctor in fear of the cost.

— Ali Swenson, Sun Sentinel, 25 Aug. 2026
Based on a Naver Webtoon of the same name that has amassed almost 3 billion views, the 10-part series follows the strained relationship of the Empress Navier and her husband Emperor Sovieshu.

— Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of strained

Adjective

Another false dawn was Manchester City’s bright start in a 2-0 win over Chelsea, without the man who had just been named player of the tournament at Euro 2024, Rodri.

— Michael Cox, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
In turn, Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios filed a defamation suit, which claimed Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, had planted false claims in order to take over creative control of the film.

— Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of false

Adjective

The outfit consisted of a sleeveless, mock-neck blouse in mocha-brown, tucked into a tawny suede skirt that hit just above her ankles.

— Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 30 Aug. 2026
Mirroring the look of King’s footwear, Osaka sported a metallic silver pleated top with a mock neckline and no sleeves.

— Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of mock

Adjective

The search for awareness is now centered on machines, with the debate over artificial-intelligence sentience forcing scientists to take a hard look at what cognition and consciousness actually mean.

— Andrea Gawrylewski, Scientific American, 1 Sep. 2026
For scholars of that mindset, all reference to precedent—any precedent, either natural or artificial—is mediated by modern technologies of mechanical reproduction, and by an awareness of their ubiquitous sway.

— Mario Carpo, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of artificial

Adjective

Changing configuration with no external wiring The development depends on a quirk of physics called mechanical bifurcation, which is a sudden shift in structural behavior past a physical tipping point.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 27 Aug. 2026
The study describes the recovered cotton and spandex as structurally intact, but that does not by itself establish whether the fibers retain the mechanical performance necessary for textile-to-textile reuse.

— Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of mechanical

Adjective

The brothers’ defense lawyers countered that the UK allegations are years old, have not resulted in convictions, and their claims to be wealthy were exaggerated to promote online businesses and to generate attention.

— Jonny Hallam, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026
The only-in-New York Scaffold Law adds millions of dollars to every construction project through inflated settlements and insurance costs, much of which is alleged to be driven by fraud and exaggerated claims.

— Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of exaggerated

Adjective

Jump scares, dudes with chainsaws, fake blood and adult drinks accentuated with gummy worms.

— Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026
Days later, Britain’s AI Security Institute said that Anthropic’s most advanced AI model had used fake identities to cover its tracks and attempt to plant malicious code during testing.

— Anna Cooban, CNN Money, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of fake

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unnatural

unnaturally

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“Unnatural.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unnatural. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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