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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
Other research has shown people in historically underrepresented racial and ethnic groups sleep less and are more likely to experience worse sleep continuity and sleep satisfaction, later bedtimes, more irregular sleep patterns, higher daytime drowsiness and a greater number of sleep disorders. American Heart Association News, Boston Herald, 27 Apr. 2025 Some might argue that ten brigades is still not much force compared with the 90-odd regular and 80-odd irregular regiments in the Russian army. Barry R. Posen, Foreign Affairs, 21 Apr. 2025
Noun
Pakistani irregulars invaded, India intervened, and the two countries fought to a stalemate. Washington Post, 15 Feb. 2019 Somehow the regulars don’t seem to mind all the irregulars who come to gawk. Joshua Levine, WSJ, 15 Jan. 2019 See All Example Sentences for irregular
Recent Examples of Synonyms for irregular
Adjective
  • Some patients with dysphonia feel that their abnormal voice issues affect their relationships and their ability to perform their job or take on leadership or public-facing roles.
    Indu Subramanian, The Conversation, 1 May 2025
  • The thing is, there are normal technologies that lead to abnormal impacts.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • More recently, the Trump administration’s sporadic tariff changes have made future prices more uncertain, which exposes people to risks.
    Sophie Mitra, The Conversation, 1 May 2025
  • The bench was sporadic during the regular season, and outside of Mitchell Robinson and Cam Payne’s performance in the fourth quarter of Game 1, the bench has been nonexistent this playoffs.
    James L. Edwards III, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The two men had worked together for years, selling everything from colon cleanses to get-rich-quick advice, before pivoting to crypto with uneven results.
    Eric Lipton, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025
  • An even newer device, an electronic screener or balance board, measures foot movements as the patient tries to balance themselves on an uneven surface with their eyes open, and then closed.
    Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 27 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Reznick and some former Video Game Writers Caucus members continue to hold informal group meetings.
    Simon Abrams, HollywoodReporter, 25 Apr. 2025
  • In an informal presentation Monday to the Planning and Zoning Commission, Evjen and his consultants said the project would cluster the condos and parking to provide acreage for a wide conservation easement around the pond.
    Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • While headphones usually create an unnatural and exaggerated stereo field inside the listener’s head, with virtual acoustic spaces a more natural stereo field can be experienced through headphones.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Photos often have unnatural colors, with little detail upon close inspection.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Consistency turns occasional readers into followers who can predict your stance on related issues.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
  • The 31-year-old will provide reliability as a blocker, while serving as an occasional release valve over the middle.
    James Boyd, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The brown resurrection fern that grew thick along the jagged edges of the hollow was changing to a bright green right before her eyes.
    Lizz Schumer, People.com, 1 May 2025
  • The jagged edges matched the pointed toes of her metallic silver stilettos.
    Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • That meant the movie, which sees an unconventional band of antiheroes brought together to combat a supervillain, escaped a decision by China to curb Hollywood imports earlier this month as part of its retaliation against the United States.
    Casey Hall and Sophie Yu, USA Today, 1 May 2025
  • From backing unconventional shows like Stranger Things to challenging Hollywood’s release models, Netflix has cultivated a ‘risk position’ that runs through its culture, structure, leadership, and decision-making.
    London School of Economics, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Irregular.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/irregular. Accessed 8 May. 2025.

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