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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of anomalous
The performance was actually anomalous for Rodgers, who has as many fourth-quarter comebacks as Andy Dalton—and vanishingly few against winning teams.
—
Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 11 Jan. 2026
Most of those teams relied on dynasties or historically anomalous runs to fortify their patience.
—Jerry Brewer, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2026
In an era when logos often outlast leaders, this reframing feels less anomalous than revealing.
—Debbie Millman, Time, 7 Jan. 2026
The trio connected with Albert (Lamar Johnson), the son of a Black schoolteacher, and Native girl Lilla Belle (Natalia del Riego) on the way out West, yet the exact origins of the group’s tight and socially anomalous bond go largely unexplained.
—Alison Herman, Variety, 4 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for anomalous
Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 11 Jan. 2026
Most of those teams relied on dynasties or historically anomalous runs to fortify their patience.
—Jerry Brewer, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2026
In an era when logos often outlast leaders, this reframing feels less anomalous than revealing.
—Debbie Millman, Time, 7 Jan. 2026
The trio connected with Albert (Lamar Johnson), the son of a Black schoolteacher, and Native girl Lilla Belle (Natalia del Riego) on the way out West, yet the exact origins of the group’s tight and socially anomalous bond go largely unexplained.
—Alison Herman, Variety, 4 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for anomalous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anomalous
Adjective
-
In the footage and images released by the FBI, the suspect appears to have a gun holstered near the center of his waist – an unusual position – and is seen wearing a backpack with reflective straps.—
Chelsea Bailey,
CNN Money,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Austin criminal defense attorney Sam Bassett told CBS affiliate KEYE-TV that a declaration of innocence is very unusual.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The space now resembles a tree house—partly because of its abnormal roof, but also due to its all-over sky-blue color.—
Annabelle Dufraigne,
Architectural Digest,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Type 2 diabetes, pre-diabetes, hypertension, abnormal lipids, fatty liver, heart attacks, stroke, heart failure.—
Sarah Koch,
CBS News,
16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Nothing unrealistic or extraordinary.—
Sophia Panych,
Allure,
24 Feb. 2026
-
Though her burial exemplified nothing extraordinary, as a woman with no status, the surgery demonstrates that the Pazyryk took care to tend to the sick and injured in their society, regardless of their station, Gizmodo reported.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
23 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Standard techniques designed for straight hair may increase the risk of linear scars and low graft survival, which lends to an overall unnatural appearance.—
Lyssanoel Frater,
Freep.com,
20 Feb. 2026
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The beauty of his images, amid unnatural constraints, isn’t a matter of style but of natural force.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The event will focus on wisdom and wellness, featuring engaging speakers, meaningful conversations, and breathtaking coastal views paired with exceptional cuisine, according to a news release.—
Ut Community Press,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 Feb. 2026
-
Sponsored by the Christopher Isherwood Foundation, the award honors exceptional work and encompasses fiction, travel writing, memoir and diary.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The winding canopy walkway runs above the treeline, offering a completely unique vantage point over the gardens.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 Feb. 2026
-
What is extraordinary is not the teacher (or student), per se, but the underlying experience of teaching and learning as a communion of unique intelligences.—
John Warner,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
This year, with a bumper crop of the strange parrot’s favorite berries prompting a rare enthusiasm for mating, those working to save the birds hope for a record number of chicks in February, which would move the kakapo closer to defying what was not long ago believed to be certain extinction.—
Charlotte Graham-McLay,
Los Angeles Times,
24 Feb. 2026
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The Boca Raton downtown campus redevelopment project represents a rare opportunity to modernize aging public facilities, improve how downtown functions, and do so in a fiscally responsible manner.—
Troy McLellan,
Sun Sentinel,
24 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The painstaking work to preserve the species might seem odd to outsiders, but the parrot is just one of many spirited and strange avians in a country where birds reign supreme.—
Charlotte Graham-McLay,
Los Angeles Times,
24 Feb. 2026
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Forty-odd women, a significant number among the on-the-ground press, had covered the First World War for American papers.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
24 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Anomalous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anomalous. Accessed 25 Feb. 2026.
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