unreal

adjective

un·​re·​al ˌən-ˈrē(-ə)l 

: lacking in reality, substance, or genuineness : artificial, illusory

also : incredible, fantastic

Synonyms

• absurd
• bizarre
• foolish
• insane
• fantastical
• crazy

Examples of unreal in a Sentence

The town seemed as unreal as a movie set.

The fashion model looked unreal, like a doll.

I think it's unreal that he survived the accident.

Recent Examples on the Web

The air is fresh, the pace is calm, and the views are unreal. —Alexandra Emanuelli, Travel + Leisure, 6 Sep. 2025

And the hoops these kids (and Laurel) go through to keep Susannah’s beloved house when an estranged relative inherits it in season two are unreal. —Bethy Squires, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2025

But one thing is for certain, an unreal amount of pressure will be on him to deliver, not just making selections, but on the course itself. —Kendall Capps, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Aug. 2025

Each makes its contrary unreal, even absurd. —Roy Scranton august 20, Literary Hub, 20 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unreal

• afebrile
• bookmobile
• cochineal
• nonideal
• peroneal
• philomel
• popliteal
• snowmobile
• waterwheel
• abele
• alkyl
• anneal

Kids Definition

unreal

adjective

un·​re·​al ˌən-ˈrē(-ə)l 

-ˈri(-ə)l,

ˈən-

1

: not real, actual, or genuine : illusory

2

: fantastic sense 2