uncanny

[uhn-kan-ee]

adjective

1. having or seeming to have a supernatural or inexplicable basis; beyond the ordinary or normal; extraordinary.

   uncanny accuracy; an uncanny knack of foreseeing trouble.

2. mysterious; arousing superstitious fear or dread; uncomfortably strange.

   Uncanny sounds filled the house.

   Synonyms: odd, preternatural
   Antonyms: natural, ordinary

uncanny

/ ʌnˈkænɪ /

adjective

1. characterized by apparently supernatural wonder, horror, etc

2. beyond what is normal or expected

   an uncanny accuracy

Other Word Forms

• uncanniness noun
• uncannily adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of uncanny¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; un- ¹ + canny

Synonym Study

See weird.

Example Sentences

The Argentine author, whose writing habitually draws on the uncanny, here delivers a blend of superstition, dread and a leitmotif of mental instability in a register of acute psychological realism.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

The 71-year-old has an uncanny ability to discern what young shoppers want.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Meg Jones' speed, strength, industry and uncanny ability to be in the right place at the right time have made her arguably the best player at this World Cup.

Read more on BBC

They said the 15-year-old had "an uncanny ability to make you laugh, making it sometimes difficult to be serious with him".

Read more on BBC

“I think down the line we’ll understand that there’s just something missing. It’s that uncanny valley concept.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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