unnatural
3 synonyms and 1 antonym for unnatural, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — Not occurring naturally, or not in keeping with what is normal or expected.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use unnatural
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
unnatural silence
unnatural causes
seem unnatural
Etymology
From Middle English unnatural, built from un- + natural.
Full origin of unnatural →Frequently asked questions
What does “unnatural” mean?
The word “unnatural” means not occurring naturally, or not in keeping with what is normal or expected. In plain terms, not the way things normally are, or not the way nature intended.
How do you pronounce “unnatural”?
“Unnatural” is pronounced uhn-NACH-ruhl (/ʌnˈnæt͡ʃ.(ə.)ɹəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “unnatural” in a sentence?
Here is “unnatural” used in a sentence: “There was something unnatural about the stillness of the forest that morning.”
What is another word for “unnatural”?
Words with a similar meaning to “unnatural” include contranatural.
What is the opposite of “unnatural”?
The opposite of “unnatural” — its antonyms — is natural.
What part of speech is “unnatural”?
“Unnatural” is an adjective.
Where does the word “unnatural” come from?
The word “unnatural” comes from Middle English. From Middle English unnatural, built from un- + natural.
Is “unnatural” a common word?
“Unnatural” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
