irregular 1 of 2

1
2
3
4
5

irregular

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word irregular distinct from other similar adjectives?

The words anomalous and unnatural are common synonyms of irregular. While all three words mean "not conforming to rule, law, or custom," 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 would anomalous be a good substitute for irregular?

Although the words anomalous and irregular have much in common, 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

When could unnatural be used to replace irregular?

The meanings of unnatural and irregular 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 irregular
Adjective
Turkish troops then began shelling Kurdish towns in Syria, and Turkish forces pushed forward, irregulars executing people in ditches along the road. Time, 14 Nov. 2019 Pakistani irregulars invaded, India intervened, and the two countries fought to a stalemate. Washington Post, 15 Feb. 2019
Noun
When gone untreated, Lyme disease can produce a wide range of symptoms depending on the stage of infection, including fever, rash, facial paralysis, irregular heartbeat and arthritis. Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 1 Aug. 2025 Then, there are irregular galaxies, which cannot be neatly categorized. Katie Liu, Discover Magazine, 31 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for irregular
Recent Examples of Synonyms for irregular
Adjective
  • Lewy body dementia: This type of dementia is caused by an accumulation of Lewy bodies (a type of abnormal protein deposit) in certain areas of the brain.
    Heidi Moawad, Verywell Health, 6 Aug. 2025
  • These numbers—like most of the company’s year-over-year comparisons—are not abnormal for the company at this stage.
    Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 6 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Today's threats can no longer be managed with static cameras and sporadic patrols.
    Freddy Kuo, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025
  • Following sporadic touring upon their most recent reformation, The Jesus Lizard increased their live appearances last year, with the group having already completed tours of the U.S., U.K. and Europe in 2025.
    Tyler Jenke, Billboard, 5 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Back in April, Ulta had already slowed its rollout within Target, citing uneven returns and operational friction in certain locations.
    Brian Delp, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
  • From the outside, staying in these uneven dynamics can look like passivity or even low self-esteem.
    Jenna Ryu, SELF, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • For years, stablecoins, digital tokens pegged to a fiat currency, operated in a patchwork of state laws, informal guidance, and regulation by enforcement.
    Christer Holloman, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025
  • Valencia had been killed in 2009, before Ricky Pike and his parents had thrown themselves into organizing aid for other families of homicide victims in an informal network of logistical help, money for flowers or transportation and other support.
    Caroline Kubzansky, Chicago Tribune, 11 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • That’s because Google’s algorithms are designed to spot and penalize unnatural link patterns.
    Nick Zviadadze, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Every great defense has that type of unnatural DNA, and across the entire team, Ulbrich expressed to CNN.
    Hailey Hurst, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Cast-iron pots and pans require occasional seasoning to restore a fading nonstick surface.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2025
  • True leadership development isn’t about checking a box with occasional training.
    Brent Gleeson, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Along the rugged coast, fishing villages huddle between jagged cliffs—their red cabins glowing against brooding skies.
    Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025
  • The grind is different from the results of a blade grinder, which chops and pulverizes but leaves grinds uneven and jagged.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • The hero’s journey on this show is achieving their unconventional American dream.
    Giana Levy, Variety, 16 Aug. 2025
  • And when goals did go in, the unconventional trajectory of the Jabulani was oddly fascinating.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Irregular.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/irregular. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on irregular

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!