unreality

noun

un·​re·​al·​i·​ty ˌən-rē-ˈa-lə-tē How to pronounce unreality (audio)
Synonyms of unrealitynext
1
a
: the quality or state of being unreal : lack of substance or validity
the unreality of a dream
b
: something unreal, insubstantial, or visionary : figment
When we find ourselves fading into shadows and unrealities, it seems hardly worthwhile to be sad …—Nathaniel Hawthorne
2
: ineptitude in dealing with reality
… the unreality of the ivory-tower attitude …—Leslie Rees

Synonyms of unreality

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Examples of unreality in a Sentence

a sci-fi author who seems to have preferred the unrealities of his own fiction to the realities of the world about him
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.
The passion for sports is a matter of its unrealities—its past is more myth than history. — Austin Elias-De Jesus, New Yorker, 3 June 2026 The unreality of Lexi’s play gave us a fun-house mirror of the show cast back onto itself. — Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 2 June 2026 As to the actual debate, there was an aura of unreality among the Democrats. — John Seiler, Oc Register, 29 Apr. 2026 The cast was always too old to play high school students, but the unreality was part of the appeal, and the setting forced them to face each other every single day, fueling bitter feuds and spilling secrets out into the open. — Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unreality

Word History

First Known Use

1744, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of unreality was in 1744

Rhymes for unreality

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Browse Nearby Words

unrealistic
unreality
unrealizable
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Cite this Entry

“Unreality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unreality. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

unreality

noun
un·​re·​al·​i·​ty ˌən-rē-ˈal-ət-ē How to pronounce unreality (audio)
1
a
: the quality or state of being unreal : nonexistence
an air of unreality about the place
b
: something unreal or imaginary : figment
2
: inability to deal with reality
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