1 unlike | Definition of unlike

unlike

adjective
un·​like | \ ˌən-ˈlÄ«k How to pronounce unlike (audio) \

Definition of unlike

 (Entry 1 of 3)

: not like: such as
a : marked by lack of resemblance : different the two books are quite unlike
b : marked by inequality : unequal contributed unlike amounts

unlike

preposition

Definition of unlike (Entry 2 of 3)

: not like: such as
a : different from a landscape unlike any other
b : not characteristic of it was unlike him to be late
c : in a different manner from spoke clearly, unlike the others

unlike

conjunction

Definition of unlike (Entry 3 of 3)

: in a manner that is different than : not as

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Other Words from unlike

Adjective

unlikeness noun

Can unlike be used as a conjunction?: Usage Guide

Conjunction

The use of unlike as a conjunction is less common than conjunctive use of like and, while criticized, is not as frequently cited as an error. The conjunctive unlike almost always introduces a prepositional phrase. unlike in other areas, the judiciary cannot justify its attempt … as a necessary evil — Alexandra M. Walsh, Stanford Law Rev. In spite of criticism, this conjunctive use of unlike is well established in both American and British English.

Examples of unlike in a Sentence

Adjective

a comparison of unlike things you're trying to compare very unlike things—like those proverbial apples and oranges

Preposition

The plants that grow here are unlike the plants that grow where I live. She's unlike anyone I've ever met.
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Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

Guests entered the milk-white loft (sartorially not unlike Faena’s wardrobe, whose trademark look is sporting white from head-to-toe) and immediately pursued the rotation of Italian hors d’oeuvres, signature aperitifs, and oysters. Vogue, "Inside Alan Faena’s All-White Hideout, Where Fashion Week’s Finest Came to Play," 6 Sep. 2019 Eat khinkali quickly, before the slippery wrapper, wonderful when hot, cools and seizes into a texture not unlike latex. Los Angeles Times, "Review: Cheesy khachapuri and Georgian soup dumplings await at Glendale’s Havlabar," 5 Sep. 2019 Eat khinkali quickly, before the slippery wrapper, wonderful when hot, cools and seizes into a texture not unlike latex. Glendale News-Press, "Review: Glendale’s Havlabar serves up cheesy khachapuri and Georgian soup dumplings," 5 Sep. 2019 Regional Transportation Commission spokeswoman Monika Bertaki says Trip to Strip does not raise its prices during busy times, unlike ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft. USA TODAY, "Troll trail, coal train derailment, geyser record: News from around our 50 states," 27 June 2019 Remember that, unlike print readers, podcast listeners can’t glance back at the beginning of the story to remind themselves, who is this person? Paige Hymson, Los Angeles Times, "Play Next: Two podcasts you should be listening to now," 20 Aug. 2019 Professional athletes aren't unlike city youths, like himself — both need to learn to channel their pain into purpose. John Schmid, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "This veteran sports psychologist has worked with the Packers and Bucks. Now he's speaking up about racism," 16 July 2019 Her long hair, tucked behind her ears, gave her a personal style that was quite unlike Shuangjie. Los Angeles Times, "One is Chinese. One is American. How a journalist discovered and reunited identical twins," 8 Aug. 2019 To listen to Chance is to absorb a mix of social messaging and personal anecdotes spiced with hammy humor and broad applause lines—not unlike with a vote-seeker’s memoir. Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, "Chance the Rapper Wants You to Get Married," 30 July 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Preposition

But unlike in 2018, when the Huskies often seemed to crumble when adversity hit, this year’s team kept the game close, even as Illinois threatened to pull away. Alex Putterman, courant.com, "UConn football keeps game close behind freshman quarterback, falls just short in 31-23 loss to Illinois," 8 Sep. 2019 Ghosh: The emissions from the transport sector in India are very small, unlike in the US or Europe. Niharika Sharma, Quartz India, "How to take India towards an electric vehicles future," 7 Sep. 2019 The effect is not unlike that of the arroz gordo at Fat Rice, though Flora Fauna’s combos are considerably less spicy. Phil Vettel, chicagotribune.com, "Review: Label-defying, continent-hopping Flora Fauna still feeling its way," 5 Sep. 2019 Not unlike being in this room right now, by the way. Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, "Tom Holland, Chris Pratt debut new look at Pixar's Onward," 24 Aug. 2019 Other cast members include former Bachelorette Hannah Brown, supermodel Christie Brinkley, and comedian/actor Kel Mitchell, who, unlike Karamo Brown, have managed to keep any thoughts about Spicer (good or bad) to themselves. Alexis Reliford, refinery29.com, "Queer Eye’s Karamo Brown Deletes Twitter After Sean Spicer Comment," 24 Aug. 2019 Curtis, 48, knows who killed his brother and why, unlike many other homicide victims’ families. jsonline.com, "A look at the justice system through one man's story," 21 Aug. 2019 These will keep blooming into early winter, and unlike other Celosias, don’t need to be pinched in order to perform well. Heather Arndt Anderson, Sunset Magazine, "Plant a Pumpkin Spice Latte-Inspired Garden That Looks Good Enough to Drink," 9 Aug. 2019 The vacuum is heavier than the Dyson V8, but can be folded in half and stored standing up (unlike the Dyson V models, which require a mount of some sort). Julianne Ross, CNN Underscored, "Cordless vacuums are stronger than ever — shop the best picks for your budget," 29 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'unlike.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of unlike

Adjective

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Preposition

1600, in the meaning defined above

Conjunction

1873, in the meaning defined above

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More Definitions for unlike

unlike

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of unlike

 (Entry 1 of 2)