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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in strained
lacking in natural or spontaneous quality
just before the debate, the candidates flashed unnatural smiles for the cameras
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unnatural
Are their movements slightly unnatural?
—
Alix Martichoux, The Hill, 11 Dec. 2025
Because there is still that unnatural, inhuman element peeking just below the surface.
—Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Dec. 2025
Lamb appeared to show the fencing posture, when the arms are in an unnatural position where the forearms are often held in the air flexed or extended.
—Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Dec. 2025
Scientists have debated how much unnatural warming — built up in greenhouse gases released by burning fossil fuels — is likely to tip us into disastrously unmanageable weather systems.
—Joan Meiners, AZCentral.com, 1 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unnatural
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unnatural
Adjective
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In healthy people, gut bacteria coexist peacefully and play an essential role in digestive health — but in Crohn’s patients, the immune system appears to mount an abnormal response against the microbes, experts say.—
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And on this morning in early October, things were very abnormal indeed.—
Adjective
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Paramount’s most valuable creative asset, Taylor Sheridan, quickly announced his exit after the Skydance merger was complete, citing strained relationships with the new leadership, a desire for more creative control, and disputes over projects.—
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Roasted beets pair with fresh herbs, fennel, spiced pepitas, and a swoop of strained yogurt.—
Adjective
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Plants that provide winter interest, including sedums, goldenrod, blue false indigo, and ornamental grasses.—
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Today’s teenagers can produce a TikTok video in minutes, but how many of them will learn to analyze the president’s false claim that Tylenol causes autism?—
Adjective
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The semi-annual sale includes so many elegant staples, such as mock-neck cardigans, jackets with unique embellishments, and comfortable pants that look super polished — all starting at just $20.—
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She’s arrived early for her first shift and has already started the residents and med students on some training by way of mock codes.—
Adjective
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Once the artificial uterine lining was ready, the team introduced two types of embryos into the chip.—
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Not artificial, not external, but absolute.—
Adjective
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Westbank will install completely new plumbing, electrical, mechanical, heating, air conditioning, and ventilation systems, according to the sources.—
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Bidding and construction began in November So far, the building’s external structure is complete, with the installation of mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems ongoing.—
Adjective
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The board cited recent state and federal decisions, which have both noted the issue of AI programs citing fake legal citations is growing.—
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Howze, who has schizophrenia, was also able to escape the hospital following the incident, only to be return a few days later wearing a visitor’s pass with a fake name.—
Adjective
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The measure’s lead proponent, the Service Employees International Union, sees the threat of an exodus as exaggerated.—
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But current and former leaders of foster care agencies told the Tampa Bay Times last year that the claims were exaggerated or false, and that the Hope Florida program was duplicating existing efforts in child welfare.—
Cite this Entry
“Unnatural.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unnatural. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
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