unusual

adjective

un·​usu·​al ˌən-ˈyü-zhə-wəl How to pronounce unusual (audio)
-zhəl;
-ˈyüzh-wəl
Synonyms of unusualnext
: not usual : uncommon, rare
unusually adverb
unusualness noun

Synonyms

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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.
Bringing such a case is highly unusual and winning a conviction would be difficult, according to current and former prosecutors. — Glenn Thrush, New York Times, 4 Mar. 2025 Local meteorologists noted that these events were highly unusual for the region, with historical data showing only sporadic snowfall over the past several decades. — Jim Foerster, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025 But that’s kind of unusual, not to want to work with Mr. Kubrick. — Damon Wise, Deadline, 3 Mar. 2025 Warren, 68, continues an impressive (but unusual) streak with the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences. — Jack Smart, People.com, 3 Mar. 2025 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

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Browse Nearby Words

unusual
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Cite this Entry

“Unusual.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unusual. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on unusual

Nglish: Translation of unusual for Spanish Speakers

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