Synonyms of unnatural

unnatural

adjective

ˌən-ˈna-chə-rəl 

1

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

• abnormal
• unusual
• irregular
• uncommon
• anomalous
• deviant
• aberrant
• atypical
• odd
• extraordinary
• untypical
• devious
• aberrational
• deviate
• bizarre
• weird
• strange
• eccentric
• unconventional
• funny
• peculiar
• remarkable
• unrepresentative
• curious
• rare
• unwonted
• freakish
• preternatural
• outlandish
• kinky
• idiosyncratic
• quirky
• unorthodox
• screwy
• quaint
• wacky
• out-of-the-way
• uncustomary
• whacky
• outré
• wild
• queer
• nonconformist
• way-out
• queerish
• far-out

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• natural
• normal
• typical
• regular
• standard
• ordinary
• common
• familiar
• commonplace
• everyday
• routine
• unremarkable
• usual
• customary
• unexceptional
• characteristic
• average
• run-of-the-mine
• run-of-the-mill
• representative
• workaday
• run-of-mine
• archetypal
• wonted
• archetypical

2

as in strained

lacking in natural or spontaneous quality

just before the debate, the candidates flashed unnatural smiles for the cameras

Synonyms & Similar Words

• strained
• false
• mock
• artificial
• mechanical
• fake
• exaggerated
• affected
• pseudo
• simulated
• forced
• theatrical
• contrived
• theatric
• plastic
• spurious
• factitious
• assumed
• cute
• bogus
• unreal
• phoney
• phony
• feigned
• sham
• hollow
• empty
• pretended
• deliberate
• unrealistic
• automatic
• put-on
• formal
• hypocritical
• stiff
• calculated
• unauthentic
• insincere
• manufactured
• melodramatic
• pat
• conscious
• labored
• hokey
• unctuous
• conventional
• rigid
• histrionic
• concocted
• impersonal
• wooden
• canned
• facile
• fabricated
• stylized
• cultivated
• inflexible
• artful
• overdone
• mealy
• premeditated
• mincing
• overacted
• cutesy
• two-faced
• genteel
• simpering
• left-handed
• double-dealing
• goody-goody
• mealymouthed
• studied
• overrefined

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• natural
• spontaneous
• genuine
• real
• unaffected
• true
• realistic
• artless
• right
• bona fide
• authentic
• sincere
• unforced
• easy
• honest
• smooth
• ingenuous
• uncontrived
• unfeigned
• effortless
• unconscious
• instinctive
• impulsive
• impromptu
• extemporaneous
• unpretending
• unrehearsed
• unstudied
• unprompted

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

Recent Examples of unnatural

But suffice to say, extensive inactivity — particularly sitting at a desk, which presents unique biomechanical challenges because the knees and hips are positioned at unnatural 90-degree angles — is really, really bad for you. —Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 22 Feb. 2025

Of course, that’s more than a little nauseating in and of itself; a film critic expressing any degree of approval for the Oscars is as sick and unnatural as a sports fan giving it up for the owner of their favorite team (never gonna happen, James Dolan). —David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 14 Feb. 2025

Advanced algorithms and neural networks can analyze pixel artifacts, unnatural movements and other subtle audio-visual data inconsistencies to detect deepfakes accurately. —Dan Yerushalmi, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2025

That comes from Reid, according to Kelce, and it’s led an almost unnatural level of calm across the team. —Kyle Feldscher, CNN, 8 Feb. 2025