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

In a sense, the Kentucky Derby is to overall horse racing what the NCAA Tournament is to the men’s college basketball regular season: An anomalous cultural phenomenon that seems largely immune to the middling, at best, overall popularity of the underlying sport. —Mark Story, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 May 2025

Focus on how to close the observability gaps so teams can quickly detect anomalous activity and potential signs of compromise. —Martin Roesch, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025

Chelsea’s anomalous presence in the Conference League has changed that but, as many have noted, this particular club has no shortage of senior professional footballers on its books. —Liam Twomey, New York Times, 9 May 2025

It's thought that less than 1 percent of the population has an anomalous coronary artery. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Apr. 2025