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 Despite 2025 delivering some of the warmest summer months on record, January brought some of the coldest winter temperatures in years, and Baker said the coral are being bred to handle both extremes, not just abnormal warmth. — Laurie Mermet, Sun Sentinel, 9 July 2026 In the disease, the body produces an abnormal form of the oxygen-carrying molecule hemoglobin. — Roxanne Khamsi, The Atlantic, 7 July 2026 An ultrasound revealed that Geno had complete heart block and hydrops fetalis — a serious condition that causes abnormal fluid buildup in multiple areas of the fetus’s body, leading to severe swelling. — Paloma Chavez, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026 In this context, when screening healthy asymptomatic people who aren’t at high risk, the chance at an ideal screening result of identifying abnormal tissue that can be eliminated is very low. — Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for abnormal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for abnormal

Adjective

But a small part is how the Rays have managed his unusual situation, handling him with some care.

— Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 July 2026
Categories for entrants in the pet parade included cutest pet, an owner and pet dress-alike, the biggest and smallest pet, most unusual pet and best trick.

— David Sharos, Chicago Tribune, 19 July 2026

Definition of unusual

Adjective

The Victorian era was awash in handwringing about the loss of male vigor (some of which was blamed on the unnatural intellectual pursuits of women).

— Elizabeth Dray, STAT, 21 July 2026
Many have a tapered silhouette that tends to pinch the toes, leading to an unnatural shape and discomfort in the toe box.

— Tanya Sharma, PEOPLE, 19 July 2026

Definition of unnatural

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

This condition, present in up to one in eight premenopausal women, is associated multiple systemic issues, including irregular periods, ovarian cysts and infertility.

— Nina Shapiro, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026
The more modern versions alternate rough branches and irregular shapes with classic designs, transforming coral into a warm accent that immediately evokes the Mediterranean, Southern Italy, and summers spent by rocky shores and crystal-clear seas.

— Selene Oliva, Glamour, 18 July 2026

Definition of irregular

Adjective

Blue Monkey is also disrupting the local food scene with the arrival of Amara, Barbados's first Lebanese restaurant—offering exceptional flavor, in arguably the most visually stunning dining room around.

— Jonnie Bayfield, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 July 2026
As closing statements go, this was an exceptional one for Tre Donaldson, the Miami Hurricanes rookie who scored 13 of his 20 in the fourth to go along with eight rebounds and 10 assists.

— Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 18 July 2026

Definition of exceptional

Adjective

Many of them feature amenities like a basketball court, weight rooms and a pool, while others may have unique features like boxing gyms or an ice rink.

— Rashad Alexander, Kansas City Star, 22 July 2026
Because there’s a certain level of difficulty involved in taking a song fans know well, and expect to hear a particular way, and successfully putting a unique spin upon it.

— Jim Ryan, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

Definition of unique

Adjective

Southern Louisiana was under tropical storm and extreme heat warnings for much of Wednesday — a rare double dose of suffering, the National Weather Service said.

— ABC News, ABC News, 23 July 2026
Sensing a rare viewing opportunity, the team followed the pod by boat.

— Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 23 July 2026