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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 The group claimed the show at the festival in Larkspur violated Colorado law prohibiting elephants and other animals from being used in traveling acts and forced the elephants to perform unnatural behaviors. Katie Langford, Denver Post, 7 June 2025 This iteration, in its freakish youthfulness and unnatural perfection is what finally shifted my Geezus Christ into the more secular Holy sh*t. Valerie Monroe, Allure, 2 June 2025 The case is one of hundreds in the Medieval Murder Maps database, which uses coroners' rolls to track real cases of unnatural death in 14th-century England—now mapped across cities like London, Oxford, and York. Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 June 2025 With tensions already flaring, a nightmarish encounter with a mysterious, unnatural force threatens to corrupt their lives, their love, and their flesh. Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 5 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for unnatural
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unnatural
Adjective
  • Scoliosis is often first noticed by a patient, their family, a pediatrician, or a primary care physician who detects an abnormal curvature of the spine.
    Richard Menger MD MPA, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • In Alzheimer’s disease, abnormal chemical changes cause the protein tau to stick to other tau molecules, which eventually form the hallmark toxic tangles that destroy neurons and the connections, or synapses, between them.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • The country’s Transitional Presidential Council also adopted a resolution authorizing the involvement of a controversial force, the Protected Areas Security Brigade, to fight gangs despite the agency’s strained relationships with the Haiti National Police.
    Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 30 June 2025
  • On this track, he and FOLA trade lines seamlessly and effortlessly, with the young singer fitting right in on the emotional track about a strained relationship that both sides are trying to save.
    Heran Mamo, Billboard, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • The Department of Homeland Security said in a statement that the claims are false.
    Alicia Victoria Lozano, NBC news, 3 July 2025
  • The City of Odessa, Texas, also said claims of a serial killer in the area were false in a Dec. 9 Facebook post.
    Joe Rassel, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 July 2025
Adjective
  • Most analysts agree that Michael Misa, C, will be the No. 2 overall selection, but from pick No. 3 onward, mock drafts diverge sharply.
    Giovanni Malloy, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • Undersized at 6-foot-2, but a strong and explosive 215 pounds, Martin’s role in the Gators’ national championship success along with strong workouts for NBA teams placed him in the second round of many mock drafts.
    Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • While trace amounts may still be naturally present in some foods, the ban has virtually eliminated artificial trans fats.
    Brittany Poulson, People.com, 8 July 2025
  • The best sparkling water, our tasters said, should taste clean, refreshing, and should not have any metallic or artificial flavors.
    Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 7 July 2025
Adjective
  • Driving through deep water can also negatively affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 28 June 2025
  • Just two decades ago, most people voted using mechanical levers or punch cards.
    Bruce Schneier, The Conversation, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • Already, misinformation campaigns and fake news challenge our ability to discern truth.
    Sahar Hashmi, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025
  • Avoiding secondary scams Marilyn’s story also highlights a second danger of fake support numbers and remote access scams.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 29 June 2025
Adjective
  • On this song in particular, there’s both this seductive whisper and this exaggerated, bimbo breathiness.
    Reanna Cruz, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2025
  • Sherry Coleman Collins, a food allergy dietitian and expert from the Atlanta metropolitan area, suggested the cautions about seed oils may be exaggerated, but did recommend choosing wisely.
    Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 25 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Unnatural.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://x0upouf933.proxynodejs.usequeue.com/thesaurus/unnatural. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on unnatural

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