unusual

adjective

un·​usu·​al ˌən-ˈyü-zhə-wəl How to pronounce unusual (audio)
-zhəl;
-ˈyüzh-wəl
Synonyms of unusualnext
: not usual: as
a
: not normal or typical
It's unusual for him to work this late.
b
: different or strange in a way that attracts attention
an unusual design
c
: uncommon, rare
saw an unusual flower while hiking
d
: extraordinary sense 1, remarkable
a scholar of unusual ability
unusually adverb
unusualness noun

Synonyms of unusual

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Examples of unusual in a Sentence

It's not unusual for him to stay late at work. a scene of unusual beauty She has an unusual name.
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.
Six months after Vincent’s suicide, Theo died from the ravages of syphilis, leaving Jo a young widow with a baby to support, not much money, and an unusual inheritance—Vincent’s paintings—more than 400 in total. — Joan Martelli, Time, 17 Oct. 2026 Amid unusual heat and unrelenting winds, hundreds of firefighters worked to contain several small, but destructive fires that ignited across Southern California. — Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026 The unusual payment began making lawyers on both sides uncomfortable. — Christopher Spata, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026 The researchers have not established what the final payload does, so don't assume everything is safe simply because nothing unusual appears on your screen. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unusual

Word History

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unusual was in 1579

Phrases Containing unusual

Rhymes for unusual

See All Rhymes for unusual

Browse Nearby Words

unusefulness
unusual
unusuality
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

unusual

adjective
un·​usu·​al ˌən-ˈyüzh-(ə-)wəl How to pronounce unusual (audio)
-ˈyü-zhəl
: not usual : uncommon, rare
unusually
-ē
adverb
unusualness noun
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