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 The restaurant, which felt like an anomaly, could not be replicated. — Maddie Connors, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026 After reviewing the anomaly and SpaceX's corrective actions, the Federal Aviation Administration cleared the company to resume Starship launches. — Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 14 July 2026 The one before voters, unlike the previous ban, would allow exceptions in the cases of medical emergencies and fetal anomalies. — ABC News, 13 July 2026 Architects must build a central kill switch that instantly cuts off the AI if an anomaly occurs. — Naveen Jayaram, Forbes.com, 10 July 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
  • Another important culprit is the assumption that a creator’s intention behind not mentioning certain exceptions was antagonistic or exclusionary.
    — Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 16 July 2026
  • The results show Californians have a strong distaste for building data centers for artificial intelligence technology, and largely favor the state’s efforts to protect the environment and cut emissions — with some exceptions.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026
Definition of exception
Noun
  • Falat said that patients suffering from heat stroke have a core body temperature of 40 degrees Celsius — more than 104 degrees Fahrenheit — or higher, and are showing signs neurological abnormalities like confusion or unresponsiveness.
    — Danielle J. Brown, Baltimore Sun, 10 July 2026
  • Both teams found that the precision of the technique reduced the likelihood of unintended chromosomal abnormalities.
    — Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 8 July 2026
Definition of abnormality
Noun
  • So, not a whole lot of epic gunfights for this Western, a rarity in the genre, but there’s a reason the property has stood the test of time.
    — Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
  • Unlike Russell, whose legacy has been beautifully maintained in books, films, and re-releases, Hall’s solo work has only been available as a series of rarities and independent releases.
    — Harry Tafoya, Pitchfork, 9 July 2026
Definition of rarity
Noun
  • That probably has something to do with Peter waking up in weird situations with his organic spider-mutations happening.
    — Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
  • Eric and several other men on the family tree have tested positive for the mutation that runs through his paternal grandmother’s line.
    — PJ Green, Kansas City Star, 8 July 2026
Definition of mutation
Noun
  • Go on, put the 131-cube (2,147 cc) monster engine into that one.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 July 2026
  • There’s no way the doll monsters at the pond were the whole point of the Lake of Tears, right?
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
Definition of monster
Noun
  • With his rugged handsomeness and wry sense of humor, Neill built an almost-50-year career playing heroes and villains, freaks and geniuses.
    — Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 13 July 2026
  • During the 2024 season, Pasquantino had a broken thumb after a freak play against the Astros in Houston.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 10 July 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 Jul. 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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