unreal

adjective

un·​re·​al ˌən-ˈrē(-ə)l How to pronounce unreal (audio)
Synonyms of unrealnext
: lacking in reality, substance, or genuineness : artificial, illusory
also : incredible, fantastic

Synonyms of unreal

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Examples of unreal in a Sentence

The town seemed as unreal as a movie set. The fashion model looked unreal, like a doll. I think it's unreal that he survived the accident.
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.
Even then, their triumph is far from assured; the climb becomes more unreal in its harshness. — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026 The dark vision of what California is in the Musk-ian or Miller-ist worldview is unreal and inaccurate. — Daniel Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026 Chihuahua, Mexico Spring 1983 Filming out in the Chihuahuan Desert is actually chilly in the morning, but when the sun comes up, the heat is unreal. — Kyle MacLachlan, HollywoodReporter, 29 Sep. 2026 The creation of that unreal enemy depended on a complex belief structure regulating church congregations, especially their least conforming and most vulnerable members. — Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unreal

Word History

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unreal was in 1605

Rhymes for unreal

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Browse Nearby Words

unready
unreal
unrealism
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Cite this Entry

“Unreal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unreal. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

unreal

adjective
un·​re·​al ˌən-ˈrē(-ə)l How to pronounce unreal (audio)
-ˈri(-ə)l, 
ˈən-
1
: not real, actual, or genuine : illusory
2
: fantastic sense 2
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