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
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.
Your support has been unreal all season… — Alex Rodriguez (@AROD) May 29, 2025 The season came to a disappointing end in a 4-1 series loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference finals, but these Timberwolves have redefined what qualifies as disappointment. Jon Krawczynski, New York Times, 30 May 2025 The company’s Data Center division brought in an almost unreal $39.1 billion in the first quarter, up 10% from the previous quarter and up 73% from a year ago. Shannon Carroll, Quartz, 28 May 2025 This is as plain as day and truly unreal that state or district leaders think otherwise. Erika I. Ritchie, Oc Register, 25 May 2025 By 2028, Hunter should be bigger and stronger, traits that will complement his unreal combination of speed and athleticism. Tashan Reed, New York Times, 21 May 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Unreal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unreal. Accessed 7 Jun. 2025.

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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