unreal

adjective

ˌən-ˈrē(-ə)l How to pronounce unreal (audio)
Definition of unrealnext
1
as in absurd
conceived or made without regard for reason or reality an unreal claim that is distant from the slightest hint of truth

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in imaginary
not real and existing only in the imagination the unreal world of TV sitcoms

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 unreal These digital technologies have also created an echo chamber of self-confirming views, which has contributed to an unreal, simplified view of a nuanced, messy world. — Simon Sebag Montefiore, The Atlantic, 28 June 2026 The air is fresh and clean, the pace is calm, and the views are unreal. — Alexandra Emanuelli, Travel + Leisure, 28 June 2026 In an absolutely unreal rally following an early deficit, Ecuador has defied the odds to beat group leader Germany here in New Jersey. — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 26 June 2026 The subwoofer itself sports an eight-inch dual active driver that pumps out bone-shattering bass, and when paired with Dolby Atmos 3D support, the spatial audio sounds utterly unreal. — George Yang, PC Magazine, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for unreal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unreal
  1. absurd
  2. imaginary
  3. bizarre
  4. fictitious
  5. foolish
  6. fictional
  7. insane
  8. mythical
Adjective
  • The Appalachian Trail is absolutely brutal The distance alone is obviously absurd, but mileage is only part of what makes the AT such a beast.
    — Amber Harding OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The selection process does not judge whether a study is admirable or absurd, good or bad.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of absurd
Adjective
  • Where travel still leaves room for people The goal isn't to return to some imaginary golden age of travel.
    — Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
  • There isn’t even a drastic generational shift between that imaginary cast and this film’s actual one.
    — Guy Lodge, Variety, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of imaginary
Adjective
  • The idea that these two would have a five-minute-or-less breakup conversation, then plop down on the couch and happily embark on an acid trip together, strains credulity a little, even for this bizarre, codependent friend group.
    — Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Twenty-eight million views on YouTube certified the bizarre piece as a fan favorite.
    — Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of bizarre
Adjective
  • The April indictment accused the organization of secretly funneling millions of dollars in donor funds to informants embedded in violent extremist movements, using bank accounts opened for fictitious companies.
    — Arie Perliger, The Conversation, 31 Aug. 2026
  • The inaugural Ig Nobel Prize ceremony honored three fictitious achievers; all recipients in subsequent years (barring a 1994 award based on inaccurate reporting) have been real people.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of fictitious
Adjective
  • When his splitter is at its best, Cruz makes opposing hitters look foolish.
    — Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • But Americans would be foolish to think that Washington is anywhere near solving this problem.
    — Doug Beck, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of foolish
Adjective
  • In the footage, players follow the story of Jason and Lucia, a couple living in the fictional Vice City, who are picking up drugs, and their mission is thwarted by the police, who begin to raid the place.
    — Moises Mendez II, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Claire Foy will also star in the film, playing a fictional reporter of The Sun that acts as a composite of various female reporters of the time period.
    — Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of fictional
Adjective
  • Darby hit an insane Coffin Drop from a lighting rig, through the stage on Knight.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • That base price of about $5,000 may sound insane to the average person but likely won’t hurt the pockets of the average Lamborghini customer.
    — Keenan Thompson, Freep.com, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of insane
Adjective
  • Morris’s book focuses only on the representation of real animals; cataloguing mythic and hybrid creatures would take another volume entirely.
    — Kelly Presutti, ARTnews.com, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Equally jubilant and terrifying, his size brings both John and Jim Ross to this mythic quality.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of mythical

Browse Nearby Words

unready
unreal
unrealistic
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unreal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unreal. Accessed 6 Sep. 2026.

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