ABNORMAL Synonyms: 96 Similar and Opposite Words

abnormal

adjective

(ˌ)ab-ˈnȯr-məl

Definition of abnormal

as in unusual

being out of the ordinary a completely abnormal school day, because half of the kids were out sick

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in unnatural

departing from some accepted standard of what is normal noticed his abnormal breathing and took him to the emergency room

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 abnormal An abnormal finding requires nodule measurement, risk classification and follow-up recommendations. — Oran Muduroglu, Forbes.com, 24 Sep. 2026 If these genes stop working, abnormal cells may survive and multiply. — Md Published, Verywell Health, 21 Sep. 2026 Research suggests about 95% of people who undergo a full-body MRI will have at least one abnormal finding. — Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 21 Sep. 2026 Risks of ibogaine The hallucinogen is known to raise the risk of abnormal heart rhythms and rates and could cause vomiting. — Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 21 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for abnormal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for abnormal

Adjective

The team now points to interactions between manganese and ytterbium as a possible source of the unusual Hall response.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 Oct. 2026
The unusual diplomatic rebuke underscored the mistrust between the two countries.

— Anniek Bao, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of unusual

Adjective

The California Department of Public Health said animals with rabies will often have strange or unnatural behavior.

— Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 4 Oct. 2026
Generated by an internal large language model (LLM), OpenAI’s proof relies on an approach that many experts find unnatural.

— Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of unnatural

Adjective

This keeps the performance informal and keeps the narrative — a staggering odyssey of injustices, abuses, travel adventures, extraordinary coincidences, losses, reunions, reflections and self-analysis — from becoming sensationalized.

— Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026
Guadagnino speaks in calligraphy; adjectives almost certainly accompany a proper name — the extraordinary, the wonderful, the genius.

— E. Alex Jung, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of extraordinary

Adjective

This process helped preserve the irregular lines, layered color and tactile quality of the originals and used this character within the fabrics.

— Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2026
Curved sofas, rounded tables and expressive lighting are among the older forms being reconsidered for current interiors, along with irregular silhouettes.

— Ashley Lynch, Charlotte Observer, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of irregular

Adjective

Her career demonstrates extraordinary range, an exceptional level of acting and at the same time, a very special connection with audiences.

— Anna Marie de la Fuente, Variety, 2 Oct. 2026
Nonetheless, the association of Nike with exceptional athletes remains a litmus test for relevance, consumer sentiment, and brand equity — all metrics Hill should be working toward as part of his ongoing brand turnaround.

— Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of exceptional

Adjective

Beat shows how so many of the sounds that were prevalent in the mid-’90s contained a unique, end-of-the century sadness.

— Sadie Sartini Garner, Pitchfork, 4 Oct. 2026
Instead, the self-regulating organization takes the day-to-day lead in devising standards, conducting oversight, enforcing rules, and punishing bad actors, drawing on its business members’ unique knowledge and real-world expertise.

— William R. Gruver, Fortune, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of unique

Adjective

Children—a rare sight at Trancoso’s small, intimate pousadas but welcome here—are kept busy by a discreet army of private nannies and hotel monitors.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Because Justice Samuel Alito recused himself from the case, an eight-person bench will decide the case for the Supreme Court, leaving open the possibility of a rare 4-4 deadlock.

— Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of rare

Adjective

This way of thinking is not uncommon, and it’s not limited to film criticism.

— Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 30 Sep. 2026
Police noted that mountain lions are not uncommon near the Stanislaus River and other rural pockets around Oakdale but urged residents to stay alert – especially overnight and around dawn and dusk.

— Cecilio Padilla, CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of uncommon

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“Abnormal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abnormal. Accessed 6 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of abnormal

adjective

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