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 next

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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

Examples of unnatural in a Sentence

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Recent Examples on the Web Even better, rice water is an easy and affordable do-it-yourself home treatment that doesn’t contain unnatural chemicals. —

Alice Rosati, Vogue, 21 Oct. 2024 The next President will have to deal with a steady stream of unnatural disasters that will demand ever more federal dollars, and also quite likely with an insurance crisis that could reignite inflation. —

Bill McKibben, The New Yorker, 20 Oct. 2024 Despite the sisters' best efforts, resurrecting the dead leads to disastrous consequences, as Jimmy returns not as the tumultuous lover Gillian once knew but as a dark and unnatural demon who intends on fully possessing her. —

Valerie Mesa, People.com, 19 Oct. 2024 While there are certain products that can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and needs, hair products are often created with specific consumers in mind. —

Sarah Han, Allure, 15 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for unnatural

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unnatural

Adjective

The decrease is attributed to the non-recurrence of prior year abnormal backlog deliveries and lower total demand.

Quartz Bot, Quartz, 7 Nov. 2024
Treatments for abnormal ferritin levels may include eating iron-rich foods like lean salmon, leafy green vegetables, and beans.

Lindsay Curtis, Health, 5 Nov. 2024