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 When bacterial levels overgrow, symptoms can include genital itching, abnormal discharge, pelvic pain and burning during urination. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 19 Oct. 2026 Anyone dealing with genital itching, abnormal discharge or pain while urinating should see a provider, even if ureaplasma turns out not to be the cause. — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Oct. 2026 In those animals, a mutation in another gene can produce left-coiling individuals, but it is also associated with abnormal development. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026 In May 2025 The Piano Man was forced to cancel all shows after being diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus, an abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain. — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for abnormal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for abnormal

Adjective

And now Great Question will, hopefully CBS News thinks, bring that voice to new places, in a digital expansion that is unusual for an evening news anchor.

— Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2026
But the book walks the reader through Raichlen’s unusual path to becoming a food writer obsessed with the art of barbecuing.

— Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of unusual

Adjective

Some movements feel unnatural, facial expressions are exaggerated, and small details occasionally fall into the uncanny valley or break rules of logical consistency.

— Britta Miller, The Washington Examiner, 14 Oct. 2026
But closer examination reveals that OpenAI’s proof builds its unnatural force in a totally distinct way.

— Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of unnatural

Adjective

Some of the rooms are off-limits, but visitors will get to see Duke's extraordinary collection of Islamic art.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Oct. 2026
The Portland decision — based in part on data the Department of Justice later admitted was false — prompted an extraordinary filing by Judge Jay Bybee, who all but pleaded with the court to rehear the case and interpret the law differently.

— Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of extraordinary

Adjective

And climate risks such as floods, irregular rainfall and extreme temperatures have become a threat to both conventional and organic crops.

— Jennifer Bringle, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026
The length of a day according to UTC is close to that of UT1 but not exactly the same because our planet’s rotation is irregular.

— Emma Gometz, Scientific American, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of irregular

Adjective

When machines can instantly replicate the average, the only true moat is the exceptional.

— Matt Alt, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
The Brewers have an exceptional amount of talent too, and Murphy's routine of pretending like his team is a bunch of humble farmers who were playing stickball out back a few days ago is absurd and offensive.

— Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of exceptional

Adjective

But only United States has this unique intelligence to say, to tell us, to tell our side when Russia uses ballistic missiles.

— NBC news, NBC news, 18 Oct. 2026
Revamping a historic building with unique architecture has posed some difficulties, said Karademas.

— Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of unique

Adjective

In a recent rare interview with chum Matthew McConaughey, Bryan suggested that his songwriting-and-touring tear since leaving the Navy may be coming to a close soon.

— Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 20 Oct. 2026
But these mergers are far too rare to explain the abundance of heavier elements in the universe.

— Robin George Andrews, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of rare

Adjective

Coalition governments are not uncommon in the state, where politicians are fond of saying that pragmatism trumps partisanship.

— Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 23 Oct. 2026
Single digits—and even colder conditions, especially at elevation on Jackson Hole Mountain—are not uncommon.

— Lindsay Cohn, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026