1
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
2
as in unnatural
departing from some accepted standard of what is normal
noticed his abnormal breathing and took him to the emergency room
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of abnormal
In 2021, Gefen and her colleagues published research in the journal Cerebral Cortex showing that super-agers are resistant to neurofibrillary, or tau, tangles, which are abnormal protein buildups tied to Alzheimer’s.
—
Lindsey Leake, NBC news, 26 Feb. 2026
However, abnormal, persistent increases may indicate a major cardiovascular concern, even in people with normal blood pressure.
—Md Published, Verywell Health, 26 Feb. 2026
Seven elephant seal pups have tested positive for avian flu at California’s Año Nuevo State Park, after scientists noticed several seals showing abnormal respiratory and neurological signs.
—Noe Padilla, USA Today, 25 Feb. 2026
Chronic overconsumption and inactivity lead to excess body fat (especially in the abdominal region), resulting in insulin resistance, high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol and early kidney dysfunction.
—Jia Shen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for abnormal
Lindsey Leake, NBC news, 26 Feb. 2026
However, abnormal, persistent increases may indicate a major cardiovascular concern, even in people with normal blood pressure.
—Md Published, Verywell Health, 26 Feb. 2026
Seven elephant seal pups have tested positive for avian flu at California’s Año Nuevo State Park, after scientists noticed several seals showing abnormal respiratory and neurological signs.
—Noe Padilla, USA Today, 25 Feb. 2026
Chronic overconsumption and inactivity lead to excess body fat (especially in the abdominal region), resulting in insulin resistance, high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol and early kidney dysfunction.
—Jia Shen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for abnormal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abnormal
Adjective
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Because the diagnosis was so unusual, zoo staff examined the bodies of 64 free-ranging roof rats that had either been euthanized in the course of regular pest control or found dead on the property.—
Susanne Rust
Follow,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Mar. 2026
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California voters approved a similar measure last fall as a counterpoint to Republicans' unusual mid-cycle redistricting that began in Texas.—
MEG KINNARD THE ASSOCIATED PRESS,
Arkansas Online,
6 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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When forty children remained quiet for an extended period, the world took on an eerie quality—natural or unnatural, who could say, but glorious all the same.—
Yiyun Li,
New Yorker,
1 Mar. 2026
-
Synthetic audio can sound unnatural or inconsistent.—
Lauren Costantino,
Miami Herald,
28 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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That project rests on decades of layered planning, established air rights and a transit hub designed to absorb extraordinary density.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Mar. 2026
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Louise Trotter’s second runway collection for Bottega Veneta rooted in Milanese Brutalism was a stunning example of her visual artistry while exhibiting an extraordinary use of material.—
Samantha Conti,
Footwear News,
2 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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This was subsidized housing for the working class, with buildings arrayed in an irregular pattern bordered by bits of landscaped greenery.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
27 Feb. 2026
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Mundaray offered a sharply critical assessment of Saab’s legacy, alleging the institution had been used to target political opponents and engage in irregular practices.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
25 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Some dishes, like the exceptional goat neck dum biryani, which is served in a pot that’s sealed with a thin flatbread, are larger, so check in with your server about the number of items to order.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
4 Mar. 2026
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Williams’ words in December about Dalman’s exceptional brain, however, were followed by something less prophetic.—
Steve Henson,
Los Angeles Times,
4 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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These collaborations are intended to drive breakthroughs from concept to real-world deployment, leveraging ORNL’s unique assets such as its microgrid testbeds, digital twin environments, and extensive energy science capabilities.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
28 Feb. 2026
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Gabe was a unique combination of musical brilliance, kindness and sharp wit.—
Joey Nolfi,
Entertainment Weekly,
28 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Budget deficit of 4% Such a target would also match last year's, which had marked a rare expansion of government spending relative to GDP.—
Evelyn Cheng,Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
4 Mar. 2026
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Some in the city see a rare local official who will stand up to Immigration and Customs Enforcement; others see someone out of his lane, needlessly feuding with the federal government; some see hubris; others see confidence.—
Briah Lumpkins,
Charlotte Observer,
4 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The uncommon phenomenon — in which Mercury, Venus, Neptune, Jupiter, Saturn, and Uranus will be visible to the naked eye — comes as a treat to astronomers and stargazers alike.—
Matthew Villafane,
CBS News,
28 Feb. 2026
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Unusual efforts to clear records A felony charge against a CPD officer — even one stemming from an off-duty incident — is relatively uncommon, and recent efforts by other former officers to have their criminal charges expunged have led to mixed results.—
Sam Charles,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Abnormal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abnormal. Accessed 8 Mar. 2026.
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