1
as in unusual
being out of the ordinary
that was an anomalous year for the housing industry, so the number of starts is anything but typical
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in abnormal
departing from some accepted standard of what is normal
an anomalous burst of anger from this usually easygoing person
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 anomalous
The 162 files consist of documents, photos and videos that detail government employee reports of anomalous aircraft.
—
Lexy Perez,
HollywoodReporter,
3 June 2026
Least privilege must extend across hybrid and multicloud estates; just-in-time access must replace standing privileges; secrets must be vaulted, rotated and monitored; and behavioral analytics must detect anomalous use regardless of the originating IP address or country of operation.
—
Morey Haber,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
Milan’s 4-0 thumping of Barcelona in 1994 was anomalous compared with the rest of their European campaign that season, but their defensive foundations were strong — with half of their six group games finishing 0-0.
—
Mark Carey,
New York Times,
29 May 2026
This is a highly anomalous storm for a number of reasons.
—
Terry Eliasen,
CBS News,
28 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for anomalous
Lexy Perez,
HollywoodReporter,
3 June 2026
Least privilege must extend across hybrid and multicloud estates; just-in-time access must replace standing privileges; secrets must be vaulted, rotated and monitored; and behavioral analytics must detect anomalous use regardless of the originating IP address or country of operation.
—
Morey Haber,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
Milan’s 4-0 thumping of Barcelona in 1994 was anomalous compared with the rest of their European campaign that season, but their defensive foundations were strong — with half of their six group games finishing 0-0.
—
Mark Carey,
New York Times,
29 May 2026
This is a highly anomalous storm for a number of reasons.
—
Terry Eliasen,
CBS News,
28 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for anomalous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anomalous
Adjective
-
What Trump is doing is unusual.
-
Heat domes are not unusual, but the temperatures in this one have been.
Adjective
-
Haney reminded jurors that despising the rich isn’t a crime, much less an abnormal opinion.
-
Others develop dangerous fluctuations in blood pressure and abnormal heart rhythms because the autonomic nervous system becomes affected.
Adjective
-
Our work complements beautifully the extraordinary work that has already been done by the producers, sales agents and distributors of Mike Leigh’s films over the years.
-
The Vietnam War was fought by young Americans thrust into extraordinary circumstances.
Adjective
-
The problem is, mainstream science and society have been slow to move away from the narrative that all animals copulate only for reproduction, any same-sex activity is purely anomalous (and unnatural), and every species is male-dominated.
-
While there are certain products that can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and needs, hair products are often created with specific consumers in mind.
Adjective
-
To start, Lendeborg is an exceptional passer who can run point from the forward position.
-
Collectors are competing for works with scarcity, exceptional provenance, and a clear place in art history.
Adjective
-
The overlap between Juneteenth celebrations and World Cup festivities has created a unique opportunity for Kansas City’s Black cultural institutions.
-
The red varieties with burgundy leaves are an excellent contrast to dahlia foliage, and their unique blooms last for weeks in the garden.
Adjective
-
Even as brutal heat waves become longer, more frequent and more intense in Europe, air conditioning remains very rare in European homes.
-
With one out, Paul Goldschmidt beat out a rare infield single before Chisholm homered to right-center.
Adjective
-
Food also figured into other odd roadway incidents.
-
Maternal Instinct lays out how Parker moved from a web of odd, though ultimately harmless lies about the fake pregnancy to killing her pregnant friend (Simmons-Hancock), and abducting her unborn fetus to present to her then-boyfriend, Wade Griffin, as their own.
Cite this Entry
“Anomalous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anomalous. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
