anomalous

anom·a·lous

adj \ə-ˈnä-mə-ləs\

Definition of ANOMALOUS

1

: inconsistent with or deviating from what is usual, normal, or expected : irregular, unusual

2

a : of uncertain nature or classification b : marked by incongruity or contradiction : paradoxical

— anom·a·lous·ly adverb

— anom·a·lous·ness noun

Examples of ANOMALOUS

1. Researchers could not explain the anomalous test results.
2. <that was an anomalous year for the housing industry, so the number of starts is anything but typical>

Origin of ANOMALOUS

Late Latin anomalus, from Greek anōmalos, literally, uneven, from a- + homalos even, from homos same — more at same

First Known Use: 1655

Related to ANOMALOUS

Synonyms: aberrant, aberrated, abnormal, exceptional, atypical, especial, exceeding, extraordinaire, extraordinary, freak, odd, peculiar, phenomenal, preternatural, rare, singular, uncommon, uncustomary, unique, unusual, unwonted

Antonyms: common, customary, normal, ordinary, typical, unexceptional, unextraordinary, usual

Related Words: conspicuous, notable, noticeable, outstanding, prominent, remarkable, salient, striking; bizarre, deviant, eccentric, freakish, monstrous, oddball, outlandish, quaint, strange, weird; incomprehensible, inconceivable, incredible, unimaginable, unthinkable

Near Antonyms: everyday, familiar, frequent

see all synonyms and antonyms

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See Synonym Discussion at irregular