IRREGULAR Synonyms: 265 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

irregular 1 of 2

adjective

i-ˈre-gyə-lər

Definition of irregular next

as in abnormal

departing from some accepted standard of what is normal it was a bank customer's slightly irregular behavior that made people suspicious

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Relevance

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as in sporadic

lacking in steadiness or regularity of occurrence irregular mail delivery to the island

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as in uneven

not having a level or smooth surface although the moon looks smooth from here, it actually has a very bumpy and irregular surface

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as in informal

not rigidly following established form, custom, or rules the request is irregular, but I'll allow it

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as in changing

not staying constant irregular gusts of wind

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irregular

2 of 2

noun

as in guerilla

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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

Examples of irregular in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Italy last year bore the brunt of irregular immigration into Europe, and Ms. Meloni had come to power on promises to stop smugglers from bringing people into the bloc. —

Nick Squires, The Christian Science Monitor, 22 Oct. 2024 Symptoms include irregular or missed periods, difficulty getting pregnant, night sweats and low libido, and the condition may lead to infertility. —

Tanyel Mustafa, refinery29.com, 21 Oct. 2024

Noun

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 Pakistani irregulars invaded, India intervened, and the two countries fought to a stalemate. —

Washington Post, 15 Feb. 2019 See all Example Sentences for irregular

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'irregular.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.