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.
In a trailer for the upcoming film released on October 27, the actor went nearly bald while showing off asymmetrical eyebrows. — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 28 Oct. 2026 A bit of asymmetrical ruching near the waistline added some texture, but the dress was fairly traditional overall. — Erin Wisti, Footwear News, 25 Oct. 2026 There, Walzer noted that the powerful armies generally do most of the killing in these asymmetrical wars, but that such conflicts are also political matters, and that the more powerful side often loses. — Jordi Graupera, New Yorker, 22 Oct. 2026 The asymmetrical hemline of the sweater is right on trend and makes the whole look feel much more intentional, while the slouchy silhouette still looks polished enough for a coffee run after landing. — Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 18 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
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Cite this Entry

“Asymmetrical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/asymmetrical. Accessed 1 Nov. 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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