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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

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 The man who has tried to outwork everyone to take care of his anomalous body faced a dangerous anomaly anyway. Jared Weiss, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025 In this way, the process can boost the anomalous heat flow beyond what can be achieved without such a catalyst. Quanta Magazine, 1 Oct. 2025 But such moments were anomalous. David Remnick, New Yorker, 26 Sep. 2025 Proactively track incident response times, blind spots and potentially abnormal/anomalous alerts to ensure system function. Douglas Murray, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for anomalous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anomalous
Adjective
  • The novel’s composition is remarkable for the unusual way its eight sections tangentially revolve around the narrator, a West African man named Tunde.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 Nov. 2025
  • Sabrina Carpenter performed double duty as host and musical guest on the previous episode, which, in an unusual move, kicked off with a non-political cold open.
    Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 2 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Her daughter's infatuation with the skeleton is not abnormal, according to Isabel.
    Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025
  • The only way to make a definitive diagnosis is to take thin slices of the brain after the person’s death and use a microscope to look for an abnormal accumulation of tau, a protein that stabilizes certain elements of the brain.
    Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • From inspiring conservation efforts to incredible animal encounters, our wildlife stories bring you closer to the creatures that make our planet extraordinary.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 4 Nov. 2025
  • The combination produced extraordinary resolution and texture, but also a fair share of headaches.
    Tiana DeNicola, Variety, 4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • For thousands of years, men in power have been responsible for catastrophe after genocide after unnatural disaster.
    Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Scrutinize fine details like hair, fur, or repetitive patterns that may appear unnatural, and inspect for illogical lighting, shadows, or odd background elements.
    Matt Emma, USA Today, 3 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Watches offer an opportunity to expand that world, telling our story through a new lens while answering a growing desire for pieces that combine design, with exceptional functionality.
    Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Gift with Taste 672 elevates gifting with flexible deliveries of Napa’s most exceptional reds, handpicked by Robb Report editors.
    Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Across his decades-long career, filmmaker Malik Hassan Sayeed has sat for only a handful of feature interviews, which is unrepresentative of both his unique ability to communicate and his openness to sharing stories from his life.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 4 Nov. 2025
  • However, designing electrical systems for aircraft poses unique challenges.
    Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • During High Point Market in October, designers stole a rare break from the windowless-showroom grind.
    Catherine Hong, Architectural Digest, 6 Nov. 2025
  • And labor scholar Hamilton Nolan reminds us to breathe, and take the (rare) win.
    Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • While Iguaran was waiting for relatives to send more cash, and earning small amounts of money working odd jobs, the men who operate the fishing boats transporting migrants to Colombia cut him a break.
    Daniel Gonzalez, AZCentral.com, 6 Nov. 2025
  • That case should get started in late November, with Zwerner placed in the odd position — in terms of personal financial gain — of seeking Parker’s acquittal.
    Gary Grumbach, NBC news, 6 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Anomalous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anomalous. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.

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