1
as in exception
something that is different from what is ordinary or expected
her C grade is an anomaly, as she's never made anything except A's and B's before
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in abnormality
a person, thing, or event that is far from normal
snow in July is an anomaly in most of the northern hemisphere
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of anomaly
Like tiny photobombers, cosmic anomalies resembling small, bright red points show up in almost every snapshot taken by the most powerful space telescope ever made.
—
Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 17 Mar. 2026
His remarks were interpreted by some as a reference to how the Becciu trial had in some ways damaged the Holy See’s reputation because of its many anomalies.
—Nicole Winfield, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2026
Therapy and psychiatrists are no longer an anomaly in everyday conversations, but suicide and suicidal ideation are still taboo.
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 13 Mar. 2026
These anomalies are increasingly linked to GPS spoofing in regions experiencing geopolitical conflict.
—Anna Raymaker, The Conversation, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for anomaly
Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 17 Mar. 2026
His remarks were interpreted by some as a reference to how the Becciu trial had in some ways damaged the Holy See’s reputation because of its many anomalies.
—Nicole Winfield, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2026
Therapy and psychiatrists are no longer an anomaly in everyday conversations, but suicide and suicidal ideation are still taboo.
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 13 Mar. 2026
These anomalies are increasingly linked to GPS spoofing in regions experiencing geopolitical conflict.
—Anna Raymaker, The Conversation, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for anomaly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anomaly
Noun
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But even here, there are exceptions, as with this spinach and sausage version loosely inspired by the infamous extra-crispy two-sheet lasagna from New York’s Rolo’s.—
Rebecca Firkser,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
22 Mar. 2026
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But in a 6-2 decision, the high court sided with Wong; citing the 14th Amendment, a majority of justices affirmed that everyone born in the United States – regardless of the citizenship or nationality of their parents – are automatic citizens, with rare and narrow exceptions.—
Angie Leventis Lourgos,
Chicago Tribune,
22 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Any abnormalities, such as areas of inflammation or suspicious growths, can be biopsied and tested.—
Miriam Fauzia,
Dallas Morning News,
19 Mar. 2026
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Blood pressure medications can also cause electrolyte abnormalities, which are more likely to be life-threatening in an older patient.—
Mara Gordon,
NPR,
17 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The hip-hop mogul obviously has no shortage of rarities to showcase, with his collection now estimated to be worth several million.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
18 Mar. 2026
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This extreme heat event may be comparable in its intensity and rarity to the 2021 Pacific Northwest heat wave, which killed hundreds and sent temperatures soaring into the 120s Fahrenheit in Oregon and Washington State during June.—
Andrew Freedman,
CNN Money,
17 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Not only that, through comparing 182 skin biopsies, the researchers showed the UV emitted from tanning beds caused unique DNA mutations, more damaging than previously known.—
Tori Crowther,
Allure,
19 Mar. 2026
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Then, in 2023, the FDA approved a new drug, Qalsody (tofersen), which was found to reverse symptoms of ALS patients with a different mutation called SOD1.—
Mindy Uhrlaub,
STAT,
16 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Adebayo had a monster first half with 20 points (9 for 14 shooting) and 13 boards against a team that leads the league in rebounding.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
22 Mar. 2026
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Adapted from a Japanese novel, the unusual story revolves around a spirit responsible for guiding transient souls to their next reincarnation, who embarks on a perilous mission with a young girl to prevent her being overwhelmed by her anger and transforming into a monster.—
Liz Shackleton,
Deadline,
21 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The difference is, when a rando freaks out at Lithgow, it’s not televised.—
Bethy Squires,
Vulture,
13 Mar. 2026
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To the escorts, the protesters were religious freaks.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Anomaly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anomaly. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026.
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