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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

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 Much to his chagrin, his unnatural spawn makes for a meddlesome son. —

Courtney Howard, Variety, 29 Jan. 2025 This is a funny spoof of unnatural AI conversation and design — both performers have six fingers. —

Andy Hoglund, EW.com, 26 Jan. 2025 Typically, when someone dies an unnatural death in California, the county sheriff is also the coroner responsible for determining a person’s manner of death. —

Ariane Lange, Sacramento Bee, 26 Jan. 2025 The gaping wound in the girl’s stomach sets the stage for a story compelled by the sinister and unnatural sight of a hole that refuses to close on its own. —

David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 24 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for unnatural

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unnatural

Adjective

Amyloidosis is a rare disease where bone marrow produces an abnormal protein called amyloid, according to the University of Kansas Cancer Center.

— PJ Green, Kansas City Star, 5 Feb. 2025
In darker skin tones, abnormal paleness may be easier to detect in the inner mouth and lining of the eyes.5 4.

— Isabel Vasquez RD LDN, Health, 4 Feb. 2025