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
• screwy
• wacky
• idiosyncratic
• quirky
• unorthodox
• quaint
• out-of-the-way
• uncustomary
• queer
• outré
• wild
• nonconformist
• way-out
• queerish
• far-out

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

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

Why the dead girl’s computer glows with an unnatural brightness whenever the lights turn off? — David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 10 Sep. 2026

When my husband comes home and stands in front of the refrigerator stuffed with bags of mulberry leaves, his face takes on an unnatural look. — Jonathan Flint, Harpers Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026

Berry shunned the unnatural world whenever, and however possible. — ABC News, 31 Aug. 2026

The researchers say the approach could help overcome limitations of existing humanoid control systems, which often require extensive fine-tuning or produce rigid, unnatural movements. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2026