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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
As volunteer companies were raised to drive out the Mexican forces — who were occupying their own country — some of the irregulars were joined by free black men. Paula Allen, ExpressNews.com, 15 Feb. 2020 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
Noun
As irregular as Thursday’s outburst seemed for a player known for his overwhelming positivity, nobody with the Twins expressed concern. Dan Hayes, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2025 The differences allow black moons to appear at irregular intervals. Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for irregular
Recent Examples of Synonyms for irregular
Adjective
  • According to the Cleveland Clinic, Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that can trigger unexpected seizures, caused by temporary abnormal electrical conditions in the brain.
    Meredith Kile, People.com, 1 Sep. 2025
  • Not an abnormal deviation from traditional Israeli-Palestinian dynamics but their culmination.
    Hussein Agha, New Yorker, 22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Silksong was first announced in 2019, and after sporadic details and development promises, the DLC turned full release was given a formal release date just two weeks ago — causing mayhem like the Eras Tour movie for other game releases.
    Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Their appearance is sporadic and unpredictable.
    Katie Wiseman, IndyStar, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Even when Clark returned, her performance was uneven.
    Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
  • This helps smooth out fingerprints or uneven spots, giving the frame a more professional look.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Even as liberal-seeming Amir invites Yusuf to join the Muslim Association, an informal organization of male Arab landowners, Yusuf’s father is killed in a night-time confrontation with the settlers.
    Ritesh Mehta, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The only time this percentage has been higher since City joined the informal ranks of that group was in 2009, at the outset of their Abu Dhabi project.
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Stories abound in folklore of the unnatural taking the place of the natural.
    Adam Verner September 3, Literary Hub, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Changing these molecules would create an unnatural mirror image of a cell, as different as your right hand from your left.
    N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The boats offer a low-effort way to spy on some of the coolest marine life in the region, including bat rays and even the occasional shark.
    Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 7 Sep. 2025
  • By night, Criel entertains guests for intimate dinners — and the occasional artistic performance.
    Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Most of the surface is made up of a fine dust with jagged edges because it hasn’t been weathered by wind or water.
    Jeremy Bogaisky, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
  • Against all of this allegedly heady stuff, the score—by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross—intentionally jars us from encroaching drowsiness with chortling woodwinds and shardlike piano chords that are the aural equivalent of jagged Plexiglass off-cuts.
    Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 29 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Others were more open to the unconventional dish.
    Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 31 Aug. 2025
  • Clara Son merges unconventional silhouettes with timeless tailoring to create pieces that feel both deeply personal and universally resonant.
    Roxanne Robinson, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Irregular.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/irregular. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.

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