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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 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 Initial unemployment insurance claims last week hit their highest level since October 2021, though the main cause was what could be an anomalous spike in Texas and distortions from the Labor Day holiday. Jeff Cox, CNBC, 11 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for anomalous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anomalous
Adjective
  • Bessent, who specialized in foreign exchange in a decades-long hedge fund career, organized a $20 billion foreign-exchange swap with Argentina’s central bank earlier this month — an unusual structure that bypassed the US Federal Reserve, which is typically the lead party in such arrangements.
    Daniel Flatley, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Tucked away in a couple of buildings in Old Town are rows upon rows of colorful artwork, which is not especially unusual for the state historic park.
    Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Supplements That Affect Blood Pressure and Heart Rate Some supplements can raise blood pressure or alter heart rhythms, which can lead to rapid changes in heart rate, high blood pressure (hypertension), or abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmia).
    Ayesha Gulzar, Verywell Health, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Hypercalcemia can lead to serious issues like kidney failure and abnormal heart rhythms.
    Sherri Gordon, Health, 28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • This secluded, 75-acre Relais & Châteaux property — the first in North America – seamlessly blends rustic simplicity with extraordinary pampering.
    Suzanne Wright, USA Today, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Jennifer Hudson continues to inspire with her extraordinary talent and authenticity; Salli Richardson-Whitfield has evolved into one of the most dynamic directors and executive producers working in television today; and Damson Idris embodies the brilliance and promise of a new generation.
    Beatrice Verhoeven, HollywoodReporter, 28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • These techniques can sometimes feel unnatural.
    Christine Buzan, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Drafting in English and translating often produces stilted, unnatural messages.
    Adam Mills, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The lounge feels like a five-star hotel with fine dining (don’t miss the schnitzel), an exceptional whiskey bar, and plush daybeds and showers.
    Staff Author, Travel + Leisure, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Native throughout eastern North America, arrowwood viburnum provides exceptional wildlife value through nectar-rich spring blooms and late season blue-black fruits.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Its unique formula can remove stains, dissolve adhesives, and cut through soap scum and grease.
    Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Oct. 2025
  • This Boll & Branch set stands apart because of a unique double-button detail and eyelet hemstitching.
    Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Most sharks, of course, slice and dice tuna and other fishes, and occasionally the rare human.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Tate had a rare form of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a genetic neurological disorder that affects the nerves that control the muscles.
    Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • In this scenario, 600-odd Chinese coast guard vessels would take the lead, alongside the 3,000 or so armed fishing boats that form China’s maritime militia, although backed up by naval strike groups lurking close by.
    Charlie Campbell, Time, 23 Oct. 2025
  • As the proud proprietors of delicacies like pineapple casserole and pear salad, Southerners are no stranger to seemingly odd flavor combinations.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 23 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Anomalous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anomalous. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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