UNREAL Synonyms: 122 Similar and Opposite Words

unreal

adjective

ˌən-ˈrē(-ə)l

Definition of unreal

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

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 God had never mandated sickness for His image and likeness, and I could not be fooled into feeling the effects of what was simply an unreal suggestion coming to thought. — Reece Schaberg, Christian Science Monitor, 18 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 After missing a penalty in the game’s third minute, Messi rebounded with a strike from 15 yards away in the 38th minute and an unreal dodge of multiple Austrian defenders for a second goal in the fifth minute of second-half stoppage time. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for unreal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unreal

Adjective

The 41-year-old is still an elite NBA player, which is still an absurd reality to consider.

— Chris Branch, New York Times, 1 July 2026
The thesis rests on a claim that would have sounded absurd a year ago.

— Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

Definition of absurd

Adjective

Hop aboard an imaginary Vespa, or perhaps a high-speed train eastward to the boot country, where not every meal comes blistering out of a brick oven or ladled from a bubbling pot.

— Catharine Kaufman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 July 2026
Some rehearse using a bedpan — placing it in the right spot, cleaning out the imaginary contents.

— Elissa Nadworny, NPR, 30 June 2026

Definition of imaginary

Adjective

When this place is eventually gone — a phrase that feels truly bizarre given the environment this summer and the half-century preceding it — the lasting images will be the seas of red.

— Sam McDowell Updated July 3, Kansas City Star, 4 July 2026
Continue reading … 'DEEPLY WEIRD' — CNN panel's bizarre 'read as Jewish' comment about a senator draws fierce blowback.

— , FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026

Definition of bizarre

Adjective

The book traces the fictitious Yeoman family’s evolution over generations from self-sufficient homesteaders to participants in global markets.

— Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 23 June 2026
Hosting its usual presentation at its headquarters, located a stone’s throw from San Babila square, the brand installed video walls that broadcast a fictitious runway show created with the help of AI.

— Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 22 June 2026

Definition of fictitious

Adjective

Comparing Young’s new deal to any extension for Davis would be a foolish exercise.

— Josh Robbins, New York Times, 30 June 2026
Further, Plato’s disdain for Gorgias, Antisthenes’ first teacher, and sophistry in general is clear; in the Platonic dialogue Gorgias, the titular character is made out to be rather foolish.

— Theodore McDarrah, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026

Definition of foolish

Adjective

Aside from the fictional King Kong, who first appeared in a 1933 film atop the skyscraper, others in real life legally — and illegally — climbed the famous skyscraper.

— Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 2 July 2026
In honor of The Bear’s final season, Jono Pandolfi’s signature white and toasted clay dinnerware (featured in the fictional restaurant) is 15% off.

— Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 1 July 2026

Definition of fictional

Adjective

For example, Fred Again is absolutely doing insane things with the MPC Lives.

— Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 30 June 2026
That dwarfs anything the powerhouse Spain teams did in the early 2010s, when the team was known for stringing together an insane number of passes that led to a goal.

— Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 29 June 2026

Definition of insane

Adjective

But a wiser course might be to emphasize a kind of counter-nostalgia, reclaiming a mythic past for the forces of tolerance and democratic generosity.

— Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026
Together, the band brings to life a mythic world of ancient heroes and villains, attracting an excited audience of headbangers and fantasy fanatics, many of whom show up in costume.

— Steve Appleford, SPIN, 29 June 2026

Definition of mythical

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unready

unreal

unrealistic

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“Unreal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unreal. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of unreal

adjective

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