Synonyms of anomalous

anomalous

adjective

ə-ˈnä-mə-ləs 

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

• unusual
• extraordinary
• exceptional
• abnormal
• unique
• rare
• odd
• uncommon
• outstanding
• remarkable
• singular
• atypical
• aberrant
• exceeding
• peculiar
• incredible
• phenomenal
• unwonted
• noticeable
• especial
• striking
• aberrated
• uncustomary
• freak
• notable
• conspicuous
• prominent
• preternatural
• salient
• bizarre
• eccentric
• strange
• deviant
• extraordinaire
• weird
• outlandish
• freakish
• inconceivable
• oddball
• incomprehensible
• quaint
• unthinkable
• unimaginable
• monstrous

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• normal
• ordinary
• common
• typical
• usual
• customary
• unexceptional
• unextraordinary
• familiar
• frequent
• everyday

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

• abnormal
• unnatural
• unusual
• irregular
• atypical
• uncommon
• aberrant
• deviant
• untypical
• extraordinary
• aberrational
• odd
• deviate
• devious
• bizarre
• eccentric
• strange
• weird
• unrepresentative
• peculiar
• rare
• remarkable
• unconventional
• curious
• funny
• idiosyncratic
• unwonted
• quirky
• outlandish
• freakish
• preternatural
• kinky
• out-of-the-way
• screwy
• unorthodox
• wacky
• whacky
• quaint
• outré
• uncustomary
• nonconformist
• wild
• queer
• way-out
• far-out
• queerish

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• normal
• typical
• natural
• regular
• standard
• ordinary
• common
• familiar
• unremarkable
• commonplace
• routine
• everyday
• usual
• customary
• characteristic
• unexceptional
• average
• run-of-the-mill
• representative
• run-of-the-mine
• workaday
• archetypal
• run-of-mine
• archetypical
• wonted

Synonym Chooser

How is the word anomalous distinct from other similar adjectives?

The words irregular and unnatural are common synonyms of anomalous. While all three words mean "not conforming to rule, law, or custom," anomalous implies not conforming to what might be expected because of the class or type to which it belongs or the laws that govern its existence.

her drive made her an anomalous figure in a sleepy organization

Where would irregular be a reasonable alternative to anomalous?

Although the words irregular and anomalous have much in common, irregular implies not conforming to a law or regulation imposed for the sake of uniformity in method, practice, or conduct.

concerned about his irregular behavior

When is it sensible to use unnatural instead of anomalous?

The meanings of unnatural and anomalous largely overlap; however, unnatural suggests what is contrary to nature or to principles or standards felt to be essential to the well-being of civilized society.

prisoners treated with unnatural cruelty

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of anomalous

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (N.Y.) says President Trump should declassify secret government archives about unidentified flying objects (UFOs), also known as unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAPs), in the spirit of greater government transparency. —Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 23 Jan. 2025

The wealth division's near-miss was reported to regulators and the company has since set up a tool to help vet large, anomalous payments and transfers, according to the report. —Bhanvi Satija, USA TODAY, 4 Mar. 2025

Other Extended Features In addition to monitoring your credit card and bank accounts for anomalous transactions, Bitdefender alerts you to possible fraudulent transactions in your investment accounts. —PCMAG, 22 Jan. 2025

The plan was already beginning to emerge on a sheet of Mylar graph paper—an oval, surrounded by arrows, with a handful of anomalous objects marked. —Julian Lucas, The New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2025