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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
With pale, irregular surfaces dotted with black bits of char, the homely slabs aren’t much to look at, but the first bite packs a big smoky punch that only grows with each subsequent chew. Robert F. Moss, Southern Living, 17 Sep. 2025 That was the morning her pacemaker detected the arrhythmia, an irregular heartbeat. Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com, 17 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for irregular
Recent Examples of Synonyms for irregular
Adjective
  • Yes, her period was a couple of weeks late, but that wasn't abnormal due to her PCOS.
    Brian Brant, PEOPLE, 23 Sep. 2025
  • There was nothing abnormal in the toxicology report, Li said in his report.
    Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 21 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Last winter was especially dry, and the monsoon was sporadic across the state this summer with above-normal temperatures.
    Hayleigh Evans, AZCentral.com, 25 Sep. 2025
  • Flowers nearly cover the plant in spring, followed by sporadic blooms throughout the season.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 22 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Their offense has looked uneven, especially in the passing game under Arch Manning, who has thrown for about 579 yards with six touchdowns and three interceptions.
    Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Sep. 2025
  • Omni-Grip traction on these shoes keeps you steady on slick or uneven terrain, while cushioning with high-energy return helps power each step.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 21 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Compared to their forerunners in the tsarist era, with their party congresses held abroad, their executive committees, and their active recruitment in imperial Russia’s universities, Soviet dissidents remained a comparatively small and informal conglomeration of activists.
    Benjamin Nathans September 24, Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2025
  • Of those who stay, more than eighty per cent work in the informal sector—as domestic servants, street hawkers, porters, cleaners.
    Kapil Komireddi, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Imitating the speech or body language of others during a conversation is another form of masking, along with forcing eye contact or facial expressions, which may feel unnatural.
    Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 23 Sep. 2025
  • Self-tanner can sink into dry skin, leaving dark patches behind that look unnatural.
    Lily Wohlner, Allure, 23 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Along the way, expect river views, a majestic fall color palette, and the occasional wildlife spotting.
    Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 27 Sep. 2025
  • Even an occasional rodent will appear, probably the single visitor that caused the suspension of the entire operation.
    Irv Erdos, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • With over 70,000 acres available to explore, visitors can take on the park’s 136 miles of trail, visit high alpine lakes, and climb jagged peaks.
    Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 27 Sep. 2025
  • Nowadays, wig enthusiasts are shaping their lace to mimic more of a natural hairline that may include a widow’s peak, and or more jagged instead of rigid hair line, so definitely keep that customization option in mind.
    Noel Cymone Walker, StyleCaster, 23 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Lopez appeared to have hit his stride—the gown epitomized the unconventional opulence of his design language.
    Ana Karina Zatarain, New Yorker, 19 Sep. 2025
  • Conventional ideas of leisure are sins; the unconventional is redemptive.
    Nicole Flattery, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Irregular.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/irregular. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.

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