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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

Examples 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 spokesperson’s message was the same that was given months ago on the topic after the coordination of efforts to get to the bottom of whether UFOs, unidentified anomalous phenomena, UAPs, and aliens had been to Earth. Greg Wehner, Fox News, 17 Oct. 2024 Everyday life is typically not severely affected, and power grids are equipped to handle slight disruptions to anomalous activity on high-voltage transmission lines, Shawn Dahl, coordinator for NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center, told ABC News earlier this year. Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 9 Oct. 2024 Most anomalous temperatures ranged from 85 to 97 degrees Fahrenheit across the state, according to the study. Natalie Eilbert, Journal Sentinel, 10 Oct. 2024 The Mackey case was one of many between the 1970s and 90s in which players successfully challenged restraints on the labor market in the NFL, NBA, and NHL (challenges to MLB’s restrictions were complicated by its anomalous antitrust exemption, now repealed in relevant part). Chris Deubert, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for anomalous 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anomalous
Adjective
  • The end result of all this was a historically unusual outcome in Wisconsin, different parties winning for president and Senate on the same ballot, which hadn’t happened in 56 years.
    Craig Gilbert, Journal Sentinel, 21 Nov. 2024
  • Half of Taylor Morrison's customers build homes from scratch, so the company has made an unusual commitment to put pricing, design and preparation right on its website—quite a feat, considering that each of the company's 22 divisions builds slightly different homes in different areas.
    Heather Newman, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • For weeks now, more than ninety per cent of the Northeast has experienced abnormal dryness.
    M. R. O’Connor, The New Yorker, 20 Nov. 2024
  • Doctors think that Beckett's heart had an electrical glitch and went into an abnormal rhythm and stopped.
    Nicole Villalpando, Austin American-Statesman, 12 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The pages are filled with extraordinary details and more than 800 photographs and illustrations of his projects, including of his last home in Santa Fe, many of which have never been seen before.
    Curbed editors, Curbed, 29 Nov. 2024
  • Later, there is an extraordinary turn that both wrenches Leo’s confession away from practical, on-camera delivery and raises it to sublime spiritual heights—to a subjectivity akin to a God’s-eye and God’s-ear perspective.
    Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 29 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The video appeared to have been substantially manipulated, with unnatural facial expressions and a robotic voice, according to a CNN analysis using deepfake detector tools.
    Michael Conte, CNN, 30 Oct. 2024
  • Just make sure to only use mold-free pumpkins that haven’t been treated with paint or other unnatural products.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • As the city transforms into a global hub for art and culture, the demand for exceptional accommodations soars.
    Forbes Travel Guide, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024
  • November 26, 2024 Twenty-five years ago, a Harvard Business School case study featured the exceptional networking practices of Silicon Valley entrepreneur and venture capitalist Heidi Roizen.
    Harvard Business Review, Harvard Business Review, 26 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The region's unique chalky soils and cool climate provide ideal conditions for cultivating Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier grapes, the primary varieties used in Champagne production.
    Lela London, Forbes, 23 Nov. 2024
  • Even without a direct reference to an item of clothing or accessory, all of these luxury designer ranges use unique bottles, higher price points, and limited distribution in an attempt to attract both aspirational and long-time customers.
    Sophia Panych, Allure, 23 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Make quick work of your household chore list with rare savings on the lightweight but powerful Dyson V11 cordless vacuum.
    Isabel Garcia, People.com, 29 Nov. 2024
  • The Russian Defense Ministry has issued a rare acknowledgment that its assets were recently targeted on Russian soil by U.S.-made ATACMS missiles.
    Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 28 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Conservatorship is an odd legal place for any organization to reside for an extended period—with a third party (in this case FHFA) in operational control.
    Doug Criscitello, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024
  • Behind layers of clothes, underwear, CDs, records, and other odd items and products for sale, Sean Carter oversees the store from behind the counter.
    Julian Roberts-Grmela, SPIN, 20 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near anomalous

Cite this Entry

“Anomalous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anomalous. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on anomalous

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