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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 Chelsea’s anomalous presence in the Conference League has changed that but, as many have noted, this particular club has no shortage of senior professional footballers on its books. Liam Twomey, New York Times, 9 May 2025 It's thought that less than 1 percent of the population has an anomalous coronary artery. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Apr. 2025 An anomalous case outside of the U.S. was Tesla’s plant in China. Michael Wayland, CNBC, 23 Apr. 2025 Is that machine identity exhibiting anomalous behavior? Tony Bradley, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for anomalous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anomalous
Adjective
  • In that respect, Alonso is not necessarily unusual.
    Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 15 May 2025
  • If anything seems unusual, trust your instincts and stop the communication immediately.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 14 May 2025
Adjective
  • Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that causes abnormal inflammation around hair follicles, leading to excessive hair loss.
    Ruth Jessen Hickman, Health, 16 May 2025
  • According to the Cleveland Clinic, SADS is a heart condition where an abnormal heart rhythm affects the heart’s electrical system, causing sudden death.
    Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • Despite these challenges, U.S. nonprofits do extraordinary things.
    Kendra Davenport, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
  • But what goes unmentioned—what stands in opposition to the siblings’ code of self-optimization and principled bodysurfing—is that their father’s success grew from the soil of an extraordinary season of public investment.
    Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 22 May 2025
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.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 18 May 2025
  • For her, the idea of being surrounded by people, especially while grieving, felt overwhelming and unnatural.
    Ashley Vega, People.com, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • The companies that invest in neurodiversity today are unlocking game-changing innovation, future-proofing their organizations and setting a new standard for what an exceptional workplace looks like.
    Ben Semmes, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
  • The engine of Czech youngster Mathias Vacek has been exceptional — almost single-handedly gifting Pedersen the win on stage five by bridging several gaps before performing a perfect leadout.
    Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 19 May 2025
Adjective
  • But in the middle is this new, unique tea experience.
    Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 20 May 2025
  • Samuel Axon The Anno games have a unique identity, and there's a lot to learn for new players, even if those players have played other city builders or economic sims (though, of course, prior background won't hurt).
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 19 May 2025
Adjective
  • Zaslav sidesteps the rare direct questions on pay, like at a NYC Dealbook Summit in the fall of 2023.
    Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 21 May 2025
  • Trade shows, in particular, are one of the rare arenas where the playing field is level.
    Sanjay Ghare, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
Adjective
  • It was also updated to clarify the role of Victor Ortega-Jiménez in observing the flamingos' odd feeding behavior.
    Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 16 May 2025
  • There’s an odd smoothness to the look and feel of the cinematography by Christian Sebaldt, but the uncanny valley phenomenon is welcome when watching bodily destruction unfold.
    Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 16 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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