aberrant 1 of 2

adjective

a-ˈber-ənt How to pronounce aberrant (audio)
Definition of aberrantnext
1
as in unusual
being out of the ordinary a year of aberrant weather—record rainfall in the summer, record heat in the autumn

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in abnormal
departing from some accepted standard of what is normal aberrant behavior can be a sign of rabies in a wild animal

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

aberrant

2 of 2

noun

as in deviant

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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 aberrant
Adjective
At the time, many observers treated his approach as aberrant. — Jack Schlossberg, Fortune, 18 Mar. 2026 To build its aberrant molecule, the IBM team turned to a company pastime. — Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 5 Mar. 2026
Noun
An adventure without a modicum of agenda, absent any aspirations, aberrant or apposite. — Padgett Powell, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for aberrant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aberrant
  1. unusual
  2. abnormal
  3. deviant
  4. extraordinary
  5. unnatural
  6. eccentric
  7. exceptional
  8. unique
Adjective
  • Although his adoption listing didn't mention his unusual paws, his foster mom did.
    — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026
  • Indeed, that has led to the highly unusual situation of Australia not being the defending champions in either women’s World Cup, with India holding the 50-over title and New Zealand the T20 crown.
    — Paul Newman, New York Times, 5 July 2026
Definition of unusual
Adjective
  • Many scientists believe that amyloid buildup eventually triggers an abnormal form of tau to form tangles in neurons, setting off symptoms.
    — Lauran Neergaard, Fortune, 14 July 2026
  • Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by abnormal biological processes in the brain that often lead to cognitive decline.
    — Edward Segarra, USA Today, 14 July 2026
Definition of abnormal
Noun
  • This boosts the rank, and by experimenting with this mechanic, players can uncover mutations and deviants, the rarest and most powerful variants.
    — Gieson Cacho, Mercury News, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Tolerating deviant behavior is the same as saying that behavior is acceptable.
    — Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 25 Feb. 2026
Definition of deviant
Adjective
  • Given the extraordinary breadth of work recognized each year and the limited time available within a three-hour broadcast, a select number of categories will be moving to the Emmy ceremonies taking place the week prior to the telecast.
    — Peter White, Deadline, 17 July 2026
  • The star is, of course, the fynbos, that extraordinary shrubland ecosystem that transforms the landscape with seasonal color, intricate textures and astonishing biodiversity.
    — Sarah Kingdom, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Definition of extraordinary
Adjective
  • While some hair products can be used across different textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, and colors (natural and unnatural), they are often created with specific consumers in mind.
    — Catharine Malzahn, Allure, 13 July 2026
  • Extreme corsetry, volumes, and silhouettes morphed women’s bodies into unnatural forms, some hyper-perfect, others creature-like.
    — Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 10 July 2026
Definition of unnatural
Noun
  • With its loose ends and digressions, Dream Me a Dream stays true to those idiosyncratic instincts while retaining enough of the welcoming glow of Dance of Love to make this an affecting farewell from an endearing eccentric.
    — Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Pitchfork, 22 June 2026
  • The eccentric cuz is quick to try and help Bobby solve problems, which often gets him into trouble, but ultimately pushes him out of his shell.
    — Skyler Trepel, Entertainment Weekly, 20 June 2026
Definition of eccentric
Adjective
  • Just down the road, Beefbar at Hotel Lou Pinet offers a relaxed ambiance and exceptional dishes.
    — Karli Poliziani, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 July 2026
  • Read More TopicsTaylor Swift Vogue Weddings An all-access invitation to the exceptional and inspirational, plus planning tips and advice.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 4 July 2026
Definition of exceptional
Adjective
  • These unique metro Atlanta cafes argue that a great coffee shop can be about more than just a great brew.
    — Christopher Hassiotis, AJC.com, 14 July 2026
  • Each has a unique profile that loosely coordinates with some of LAFCO's most popular home scents -- but fear not, you won't be left smelling like a candle.
    — Kelsey Legg, ABC News, 14 July 2026
Definition of unique

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Cite this Entry

“Aberrant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aberrant. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on aberrant

Nglish: Translation of aberrant for Spanish Speakers

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