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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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 New features include Automated Bank-Reconciliation that allows JAX to identify unreconciled transactions, duplicates, missing documents and anomalies, then help resolve them while updating the books in real time. — Gene Marks, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 The approach does not automatically establish the exact cause of every settlement anomaly, and underground conditions can be complex. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026 The sound of the band is an anomaly, even within the obscure parameters of underground Latin. — Ernesto Lechner, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026 The oversize dive and pilot’s watches of the 1990s and early 2000s were an anomaly, and recent years have seen a return to more sensible proportions. — Oren Hartov, Robb Report, 25 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 law includes several exceptions, including certain vehicles, medical devices and other equipment.
    — Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The developers have sought an exception to rules around how much parking can front a nearby boulevard, and will be expected to provide extra landscaping and screening to buffer the parking from nearby properties.
    — Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of exception
Noun
  • Those with anatomic pulmonary abnormalities or neuromuscular disorders.
    — Anna Halkidis, Parents, 2 Sep. 2026
  • However, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists advises against using tricyclic antidepressants during pregnancy due to the risk of major congenital abnormalities and other serious problems.
    — Isabella Cueto, STAT, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of abnormality
Noun
  • The durability of Meloni’s coalition has been a rarity in postwar Italy, where governments often have fallen before the end of their mandates.
    — Silvia Stellacci, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026
  • The durability of Meloni’s coalition has been a rarity in postwar Italy, where governments have often fallen before the end of their mandates.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of rarity
Noun
  • Late-stage studies have shown success in directing the immune system to attack tumor-specific mutations.
    — Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2026
  • State has been a pioneer in identifying high-risk genes, and the mutations in those genes, that are associated with profound autism.
    — Pien Huang, NPR, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of mutation
Noun
  • Similarly, Zo — seen recently as the monster hunter in Na Hong-jin’s delirious sci-fi action epic, Hope — stays for most of the running time just the right side of smug entitlement.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Having created this monster, Hansen now has to feed it; going up against Lost, To Catch a Predator needs to best itself every week.
    — Damon Wise, Deadline, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of monster
Noun
  • Just in the past year or so alone, Richardson lost his starting job to Jones, then nearly lost an eye after breaking his orbital bone in a freak pregame accident last season.
    — James Boyd, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
  • After a freak accident, Frank the bunny appears in an outstandingly creepy fashion to inform Donnie Darko of the world's impending doom.
    — Grace Dean, Space.com, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of freak

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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 9 Sep. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about anomaly

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