entirely unlike

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "entirely unlike" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize a complete difference or dissimilarity between two subjects or concepts. Example: "The two paintings are entirely unlike each other, showcasing different styles and techniques."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

On its own, this game presents the Giants with more chances for elimination than they faced in their entire 2010 playoff run, and serves to reinforce that this year's postseason is entirely unlike the one that San Francisco went through two years ago.

The New York Times - Sports

It is a world not entirely unlike our own.

The Economist

It is not entirely unlike what some others have written.

The New York Times - Books

Sometimes, though, Soloway sounds not entirely unlike that women's-studies professor she played.

The New Yorker

It's not entirely unlike what Mr. Ferguson was doing uptown, but context is everything.

The New York Times - Food

Figuring out which one to buy, however, is a process entirely unlike television shopping of the past.

The New York Times - Tech

"Ce que j'appelle" is entirely unlike Mr. Preljocaj's last Lyon premiere, the Gaultier-designed, slick and showy "Snow White".

The New York Times - Arts

He had gotten used to the routines — the meetings, the therapy, the order, the prepared meals — not entirely unlike home.

The New Yorker

Their music swells to something almost as cathartic as loud rock music while being entirely unlike it.

The New Yorker

And the lithically minded noted that limestone is prone to splits and fissures, not entirely unlike Mr Miliband's party.

The Economist

Avaaz's explosive growth is just one part of what makes it entirely unlike traditional charities or campaigning organisations.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "entirely unlike" to create emphasis when you want to highlight a stark contrast between two subjects. It adds a stronger sense of differentiation than simply saying "different."

Common error

Avoid using "entirely unlike" excessively in a single piece of writing. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "completely different" or "totally dissimilar".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "entirely unlike" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to emphasize a complete dissimilarity. It intensifies the sense of difference, indicating that there are no similarities between the subjects being compared. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "entirely unlike" is a grammatically sound and useful way to emphasize a complete dissimilarity between two or more subjects. It functions as an adjective phrase and is most commonly found in news and media contexts. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is suitable for use in written English. While "entirely unlike" is a strong expression, writers should be mindful of overuse and consider using synonyms like "completely different" or "totally dissimilar" to maintain variety in their writing. When used appropriately, it effectively highlights stark contrasts and provides clarity in expressing differences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely different

Emphasizes the total dissimilarity in a straightforward manner.

totally dissimilar

Highlights the lack of similarity, focusing on the absence of shared characteristics.

utterly distinct

Stresses the clear and unmistakable separation between two things.

worlds apart

Suggests a vast difference, as if the two things belong to different realms.

bears no resemblance

Focuses on the complete absence of visual or qualitative similarity.

nothing alike

A simple and direct way to express that two things have no shared qualities.

poles apart

Emphasizes the opposition or contrast between two things.

distinctly different

Highlights the noticeable and clear difference between two things.

contrast sharply

Focuses on the strong contrast and dissimilarity.

diverges greatly

Emphasizes the significant deviation and difference in direction or nature.

FAQs

How can I use "entirely unlike" in a sentence?

Use "entirely unlike" to emphasize that two things are completely different, such as, "The atmosphere in the city was "entirely unlike" anything she had experienced before".

What's the difference between "entirely unlike" and "completely different"?

"Entirely unlike" emphasizes a stark contrast, while "completely different" simply states that two things are not the same. The former adds more force to the dissimilarity.

Which is correct, "entirely unlike" or "not entirely unlike"?

Both are correct but convey opposite meanings. "Entirely unlike" means completely different, while "not entirely unlike" suggests there are some similarities.

What can I say instead of "entirely unlike"?

You can use alternatives like "completely different", "totally dissimilar", or "utterly distinct" depending on the context.