Definitions

uncanny

[uhn-kan-ee] / ʌnˈkæn i /

ADJECTIVE

very strange, unusual

Synonyms

STRONGEST

astonishing astounding eerie exceptional extraordinary fantastic incredible magical miraculous remarkable singular spooky superhuman supernatural

WEAK

creepy devilish ghostly ghoulish inexplainable inspired mysterious mystifying preternatural prodigious scary secret supernormal supranormal unearthly unheard-of unnatural weird

Antonyms

STRONGEST

bad boring common commonplace conventional customary dull expected familiar natural normal ordinary poor regular unremarkable usual

WEAK

earthly

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

This sensitivity contributes to what scientists call the "Uncanny Valley," a phenomenon where robots appear unsettling rather than lifelike.

From Science Daily • Jan. 16, 2026

This, he explains, was the catalyst for him to create Uncanny.

From BBC • Sep. 30, 2023

Uncanny and 2:22 - A Ghost Story are far from the only shows currently exploring the paranormal.

From BBC • Sep. 30, 2023

Uncanny disquiet governs the stories in this collection.

From New York Times • Jun. 18, 2023

Uncanny little beast, she could never take to him, but Farid loved him like a dog.

From "Inkheart" by Cornelia Funke

Vocabulary lists containing uncanny

100 Words Every Middle Schooler Should Know

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Essential Academic Vocabulary for Middle School Students, List 2

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Uncanny, Creepy, or Downright Scary: Words For Halloween

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!