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Definition of irregularnext
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irregular

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word irregular distinct from other similar adjectives?

The words anomalous and unnatural are common synonyms of irregular. While all three words mean "not conforming to rule, law, or custom," irregular implies not conforming to a law or regulation imposed for the sake of uniformity in method, practice, or conduct.

concerned about his irregular behavior

When would anomalous be a good substitute for irregular?

Although the words anomalous and irregular have much in common, anomalous implies not conforming to what might be expected because of the class or type to which it belongs or the laws that govern its existence.

her drive made her an anomalous figure in a sleepy organization

When could unnatural be used to replace irregular?

The meanings of unnatural and irregular largely overlap; however, unnatural suggests what is contrary to nature or to principles or standards felt to be essential to the well-being of civilized society.

prisoners treated with unnatural cruelty

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of irregular
Adjective
The unsaturated fats give them an irregular shape on a molecular level. Rosemary Trout, The Conversation, 10 June 2026 Slugs and snails create large, irregular holes with smooth edges in foliage, typically located between the veins of leaves. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 10 June 2026
Noun
As volunteer companies were raised to drive out the Mexican forces — who were occupying their own country — some of the irregulars were joined by free black men. Paula Allen, ExpressNews.com, 15 Feb. 2020 Turkish troops then began shelling Kurdish towns in Syria, and Turkish forces pushed forward, irregulars executing people in ditches along the road. Time, 14 Nov. 2019 See All Example Sentences for irregular
Recent Examples of Synonyms for irregular
Adjective
  • Terms such as ‘elevated,’ 'high risk,’ 'abnormal,’ or ‘critical’ can be unsettling when presented without context.
    Malana VanTyler, USA Today, 17 June 2026
  • Traffic on the Pike was not abnormal in any way.
    Mike Sullivan, CBS News, 16 June 2026
Adjective
  • Excluding the special cases of meteor showers, a viewer on the ground will see only about five or so sporadic meteors per hour on average, which isn’t terribly many.
    Phil Plait, Scientific American, 12 June 2026
  • While a bus was lit on fire in Belfast, a police car in the town of Portadown was set ablaze as sporadic pockets of disorder broke out into other parts of Northern Ireland.
    Olivia-Anne Cleary, Time, 10 June 2026
Adjective
  • Stowers getting regular first base work Stowers is beginning to produce after his season got off to an uneven start following to a pair of hamstring injuries in spring training.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 18 June 2026
  • The president says market gains helped guide his push to reach a deal with Iran, even as critics warn that stocks are an uneven measure of national interest.
    Cat Zakrzewski, Washington Post, 18 June 2026
Adjective
  • Frequently informal and poorly regulated, both virgin and recycled polyester supply chains can expose workers to severe human-rights risks, including harassment, violence and abuse.
    Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 17 June 2026
  • Some of her success with collaborators seems to have come down to luck and an eye for talent, as in the case of the still-up-and-coming Elswit and Oppewall, who served as her informal producers during filming.
    Elaina Patton, IndieWire, 16 June 2026
Adjective
  • In some studies, gloves not changed between tasks had higher bacterial counts and could transfer germs just as easily as ungloved hands, underscoring the need for frequent changing and proper hand hygiene.
    Evan Moore December 19, Charlotte Observer, 19 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • After launching in 2022 as a live event outdoors at Lincoln Center, the guerrilla awards show reached TV screens for the first time last year.
    Senior Television, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026
  • The selective application of trafficking claims The narco-terrorism label was selectively applied not only to left-wing guerrillas but to the two communist governments in Latin America.
    Michelle D. Paranzino, The Conversation, 11 June 2026
Adjective
  • While there are certain products that can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and needs, hair products are often created with specific consumers in mind.
    Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 13 June 2026
  • This is fast enough for the robot to react to environmental changes in real time without making its motions feel jerky or unnatural.
    Lee-Lean Shu, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
Adjective
  • Portable Power Station Deal Summer's here and that means backyard BBQs, camping trips, and the occasional blackout.
    John Mihaly, PC Magazine, 18 June 2026
  • In Billie’s case, that consists mostly of neighborhood walks and the occasional hiking trail.
    Mack DeGeurin, Popular Science, 18 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Irregular.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/irregular. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.

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