unreal

adjective

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

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 The performance may be unreal, but the Taycan GT is a reality. Tim Stevens, Robb Report, 11 Mar. 2024 These reality shows represent unreal fantasies, too; Reesa’s story just makes that explicit. Amanda Hess, New York Times, 1 Mar. 2024 Watching those two go back and forth against one another in the waning moments of the game was unreal. USA TODAY, 5 Jan. 2024 While each of these classic restaurants-turned-monuments are unique, the interiors are commonly unreal depictions of real places. Rita Bullwinkel, New York Times, 27 Feb. 2024 Making space for a few epic electric guitar riffs from her band throughout the song, Clarkson added her signature runs and unreal high notes to Stapleton’s regretful lyrics. Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 22 Feb. 2024 The spectacle of totality—when the moon completely covers the sun to cast a dark shadow on Earth below—is almost unreal, as if the natural rhythm and regular order of the cosmos has come undone. Paul M. Sutter, Scientific American, 15 Feb. 2024 The 49ers can hang with Mahomes and company, but the quarterback’s big-game experience and unreal playmaking abilities give the Chiefs a notable edge. Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 8 Feb. 2024 And the unbridled fury of the song turns out to be an ideal showcase for Lauper's unreal vocal talents. Gwen Ihnat, EW.com, 6 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'unreal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unreal was in 1605

Dictionary Entries Near unreal

Cite this Entry

“Unreal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unreal. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on unreal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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