Definition of anomalousnext
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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 It's always been this anomalous, weird thing, maybe along with The Simpsons, as well. Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Nov. 2025 The anomalous Chicxulub crater [one of the largest and best preserved craters on Earth] had been discovered by petroleum geologists decades before its significance was revealed by Alvarez et al. Hannah Millington, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2025 For a comprehensive guide, see my book Primal Intelligence, but as a quick start, cast your eyes around for something (or someone) weird, irregular, anomalous. Big Think, 3 Nov. 2025 If telemetry or flight recorder data indicate anomalous electromagnetic activity, the findings may remain classified. Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for anomalous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anomalous
Adjective
  • Andy Baker-White, the senior director of state health policy for the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, said the bipartisan support for bills targeting food dyes and ultraprocessed food struck him as unusual.
    Alan Greenblatt, CBS News, 12 Jan. 2026
  • But David did put in place an unusual corporate reporting structure in which Weiss reports directly to him, rather than through the head of CBS — an arrangement that has imbued every decision Weiss has made with speculation about whether David might be influencing her choices.
    Reeves Wiedeman, Vulture, 12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • In healthy people, gut bacteria coexist peacefully and play an essential role in digestive health — but in Crohn’s patients, the immune system appears to mount an abnormal response against the microbes, experts say.
    Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 13 Jan. 2026
  • And on this morning in early October, things were very abnormal indeed.
    Ben Weiss, Fortune, 12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Packed with extraordinary gorilla behavior never filmed before, this is a story of hope and joy.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Johnson’s ability to rapidly guide the Bears here registers as extraordinary.
    Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • While there are certainly products that can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and needs, hair products are often created with specific consumers in mind.
    Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 31 Dec. 2025
  • The handsome pair of actors play sniper specialists from enemy countries who must each take a long shift on opposite sides of a massive trench where some unnatural monsters apparently lurk below.
    Jeff Spry, Space.com, 27 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • Until ecosystems adapt, many exceptional leaders will continue to build extraordinary value for others but struggle to do the same for themselves, not due to lack of capability, but because the system hasn’t caught up to their needs.
    Essence, Essence, 14 Jan. 2026
  • Your visit will give you a firsthand look at the vibrant Town Center and the award-winning neighborhoods and exceptional lifestyle amenities.
    Ave Maria, Miami Herald, 14 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Gold, sage and forest green tile flooring lined the area, leading into a room with a pool table and carpet, with a series of unique memorabilia on the walls.
    Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Having the brewery, taproom and supply store under one roof is a unique aspect of the business.
    Janice Phelan, Kansas City Star, 8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • These Hokas are the rare travel shoe that works across all ages, activity levels, and destinations.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 10 Jan. 2026
  • The study offers rare, direct evidence of this process by tracking cool gas across entire galaxies, something that was not possible before large surveys like MaNGA.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Toronto netminder Dennis Hildeby stoned Trevor Zegras on a breakaway, and later made consecutive saves on Matvei Michkov and Sean Couturier to spring the odd-man rush that led to Cowan's goal.
    CBS News, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
  • The details of Cooper’s crime seemed too tempting to McNally, a high school dropout turned military-airplane electrician who’d pursued odd jobs and scams since being discharged.
    Johnny Dodd, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Anomalous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anomalous. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026.

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