asymmetrical

adjective

asym·​met·​ri·​cal ˌā-sə-ˈme-tri-kəl How to pronounce asymmetrical (audio)
variants or asymmetric
ˌā-sə-ˈme-trik How to pronounce asymmetrical (audio)
Synonyms of asymmetrical
1
: having two sides or halves that are not the same : not symmetrical
an asymmetrical design
asymmetrical shapes
2
usually asymmetric of a carbon atom : bonded to four different atoms or groups
asymmetrically
ˌā-sə-ˈme-tri-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce asymmetrical (audio)
adverb

Examples of asymmetrical in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
An asymmetrical supernova would be enough, the scientists found. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 14 Oct. 2026 This asymmetrical design feels slightly more natural to hold and is easy to orient correctly without looking at it. — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 12 Oct. 2026 Last May at the Cannes Film Festival, Cruz sported Chanel’s contemporary elegance, wearing a black gown with an asymmetrical cut and tufts of black fabric on the shoulder and right thigh. — Erin Wisti, Footwear News, 11 Oct. 2026 Her strapless Saint Laurent dress—from the Spring 2018 collection—had a sculptural bodice studded with silver rivets and an asymmetrical hem. — Alfredo Toriello, Vanity Fair, 6 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for asymmetrical

Word History

Etymology

Greek asymmetria lack of proportion, from asymmetros ill-proportioned, from a- + symmetros symmetrical

First Known Use

1690, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of asymmetrical was in 1690

Phrases Containing asymmetrical

Rhymes for asymmetrical

See All Rhymes for asymmetrical

Browse Nearby Words

asymbolic
asymmetrical
asymmetrical spinnaker
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Asymmetrical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/asymmetrical. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Medical Definition

asymmetrical

adjective
asym·​met·​ri·​cal ˌā-sə-ˈme-tri-kəl How to pronounce asymmetrical (audio)
variants or asymmetric
-trik How to pronounce asymmetrical (audio)
1
: not symmetrical
2
usually asymmetric, of a carbon atom : bonded to four different atoms or groups
asymmetrically
-tri-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce asymmetrical (audio)
adverb

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