ANOMALOUS Synonyms: 96 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

anomalous

adjective

ə-ˈnä-mə-ləs

Definition of anomalous

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

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 Conversely, Zumthor’s building—however outsize, expensive, and anomalous—hides in plain sight as a piece of urban engineering, stitching together and swallowing the horizontal city whole. — Katy Barkan, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026 So there's an anomalous absence of professional baseball from the Orlando market. — Matt Reigle Outkick, FOXNews.com, 12 Aug. 2026 In 1870 Bloomsburg received its anomalous status as Pennsylvania’s only official town. — Scott Spires, Encyclopedia Britannica, 10 Aug. 2026 The surface of the tropical Pacific transforms from a cool spot into a massive pool of anomalous warmth thousands of miles across. — Sean MacAday, Sacbee.com, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for anomalous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for anomalous

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

Infected animals will eventually show signs of abnormal behavior, weight loss and physical debilitation in later stages of the disease.

— DeJanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026
The abnormal warmth is also delaying the changing of many tree leaves, and could bring health implications for plants across the Midwest and certain organisms living in the Great Lakes.

— Finnegan Belleau, Chicago Tribune, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of abnormal

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

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

Singer demonstrates how timeless design and exceptional interior quality can coexist with everyday usability.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 25 Oct. 2026
Van Cleef & Arpels recently welcomed private clients to an intimate high jewelry presentation at a River Oaks residence, with the opportunity to meet the maison’s artisans and view exceptional creations.

— Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of exceptional

Adjective

Personalized medicine already helps doctors match patients with drugs suited to their cancer’s unique biology.

— Mike McRae October 25, New Atlas, 26 Oct. 2026
The Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing trio of Chris Buescher, Ryan Preece and Brad Keselowski swept the top three spots in the first stage with a unique strategy that had the rest of the field nearly a lap down at one point.

— ABC News, ABC News, 25 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

Those visual gags feel like an odd fit for the material; Ishiguro is known more for low-grade existential sadness than slapstick.

— Natasha O'Neill, Vanity Fair, 22 Oct. 2026
McKee has had a bit of an odd season starting from training camp when the Eagles brought in veteran Andy Dalton to challenge for the backup job.

— ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of odd

Browse Nearby Words

anomalies

anomalous

anomalously

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“Anomalous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anomalous. Accessed 26 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of anomalous

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