anomaly

noun

ə-ˈnä-mə-lē How to pronounce anomaly (audio)
Definition of anomalynext
1
as in exception
something that is different from what is ordinary or expected her C grade is an anomaly, as she's never made anything except A's and B's before

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in abnormality
a person, thing, or event that is far from normal snow in July is an anomaly in most of the northern hemisphere

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 anomaly In a time of echo chambers, O’Sullivan is both anomaly and antidote. — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 11 Aug. 2026 Footage indicates the vehicle experienced a major anomaly during its early ascent. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 10 Aug. 2026 The Bloomsburg anomaly Bloomsburg, the seat of Columbia county, was founded in 1802; it was originally called Eyersburg or Eyerstown after its founder, Ludwig Eyer. — Scott Spires, Encyclopedia Britannica, 10 Aug. 2026 The death rate still wasn’t back to 2019 levels in Colorado, however, which made the state an anomaly. — Meg Wingerter, Denver Post, 9 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for anomaly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anomaly
  1. exception
  2. abnormality
  3. rarity
  4. mutation
  5. monster
  6. freak
Noun
  • The Constitution protects defendants from being prosecuted for the same crime twice, but Mangione's dueling state and federal cases fall into one of the exceptions for double jeopardy.
    — Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Primary history The mid-August primaries have a long history of lackluster turnout – with one major exception.
    — Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of exception
Noun
  • As neuroscience advanced, researchers began recognizing that symptoms could arise from changes in brain function rather than visible changes to the brain, such as injury or abnormalities seen through brain imaging.
    — Mackenzi Moore, The Conversation, 14 Aug. 2026
  • During his medical workup, doctors found concerning abnormalities in his bloodwork and ruled him out as a donor for the time being, referring him to a hematologist for further evaluation.
    — Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of abnormality
Noun
  • That Liverpool have made only three loan signings across the past 10 years also highlights the rarity of such moves.
    — Gregg Evans, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Though never explicitly stated, the film’s suggestion of a lesbian relationship between the two women was a rarity of the era.
    — Greg Evans, Deadline, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of rarity
Noun
  • Her character, a mutant, has powers that include telepathy and organic diamond transformation mutation.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • One of the most common mutations changes a single building block in KRAS, converting the normal protein into a form that continuously drives cell division.
    — William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of mutation
Noun
  • According to Disney, guests will have the chance to explore the city, meet its citizens, taste unique cuisine, and step into the everyday world of monsters in a totally new way.
    — Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 16 Aug. 2026
  • The wild things – fictional monsters Sendak has said were based on his own family members – roll their terrible eyes, gnash their teeth and show their terrible claws.
    — Liz Rosenberg, The Conversation, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of monster
Noun
  • Adapt to survive Along with a warming trend pushing harvesting seasons earlier, European wine growers are up against drought, freak weather events such as spring hailstorms and frost which wiped out many buds, and wildfires.
    — Jenni Reid, CNBC, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Her posse creates a safe bubble in which Kidman can get her freak on.
    — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of freak

Browse Nearby Words

anomalousness
anomaly
anon
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Cite this Entry

“Anomaly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anomaly. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on anomaly

Nglish: Translation of anomaly for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about anomaly

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