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 But there’s no denying the entire league is operating within an abnormal existence. — Zack Meisel, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026 In one case, a Kentucky police officer allegedly tracked his ex-girlfriend more than 2,000 times; authorities said Flock’s system to detect abnormal use led to the allegation. — Victoria Hoffmann, Christian Science Monitor, 4 Sep. 2026 But that summer, bloodwork during a routine checkup revealed Chatting’s liver enzymes had soared to abnormal levels, indicating potential damage. — Christopher Osher, ProPublica, 4 Sep. 2026 Department staff searched for the otter to assess whether the animal was still in the area or displaying any abnormal or concerning behavior, Margiott said. — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for abnormal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for abnormal

Adjective

The move is unusual due to the more than six-month-long conflict between Iran and the United States and no sign that agreements to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or return to talks on Iran's nuclear program are close.

— September 18, CBS News, 18 Sep. 2026
The team also needed to confirm that the unusual structures were genuine electron behavior rather than artifacts created by the microscope.

— Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of unusual

Adjective

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
Some deepfakes still have telltale flaws such as unnatural facial movements, lip-sync glitches, robotic speech or awkward pauses — but the technology is rapidly improving, a spokesperson for the organization said.

— Emily Elconin for CNN, CNN Money, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of unnatural

Adjective

The Tigers repeatedly found explosive gains through the air, some created not by an extraordinary throw but by a defensive breakdown.

— Taylor Eldridge, Kansas City Star, 18 Sep. 2026
The adventure experts at EYOS Expeditions have curated a new journey that combines a deep-water expedition with all the extraordinary wonders of Alaska’s wilderness.

— Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of extraordinary

Adjective

After researching her options and speaking with her doctors, Hills eventually underwent a surgical procedure to treat her irregular heartbeat.

— Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2026
Asics noted that both models feature core elements to the brand like its signature stripes, along with typical Camiel Fortgens details — irregular stitching and hand-cut overlays — to create a new kind of DIY sports shoe.

— Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of irregular

Adjective

Michelin has introduced a rating of wineries where one grape denotes a very good producer; two an excellent producer, and three an exceptional producer.

— Mike DeSimone, Robb Report, 20 Sep. 2026
But a player who is exceptional at the sport but lacks notoriety is a different story.

— Joshua Hong, Fortune, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of exceptional

Adjective

But this cycle, Republicans are doing so with unique political headwinds, chief among them the war in Iran.

— David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 20 Sep. 2026
Rather than excavating and extensively modifying hundreds of unique Minuteman-era facilities, the Air Force is developing a standardized, modular construction approach for the new silos.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 20 Sep. 2026