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
• screwy
• wacky
• kinky
• out-of-the-way
• unorthodox
• whacky
• quaint
• queer
• outré
• uncustomary
• nonconformist
• wild
• 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

Monitor for continued anomalous requests — particularly from Tencent, AWS, and other cloud provider ASNs. —Tony Bradley, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025

While this Iranian response appeared largely symbolic, the country could seek to hit at the U.S. in more anomalous ways, such as by targeting American diplomatic, consular or trade missions. —Ellen Mitchell, The Hill, 24 June 2025

But that year does look a little anomalous on his career ledger, with more of an 80-point baseline (which, of course, is still excellent). —Max Bultman, New York Times, 17 June 2025

Norton’s similar feature specifically watches for anomalous events such as charges that don’t fit your patterns. —PC Magazine, 17 June 2025