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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
In a high-stakes environment, employees might push themselves harder, working irregular hours or skipping small talk. Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025 That hormonal decline can lead to symptoms like irregular periods, hot flashes, and night sweats. Anna North, Vox, 6 May 2025
Noun
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 See All Example Sentences for irregular
Recent Examples of Synonyms for irregular
Adjective
  • Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that causes abnormal inflammation around hair follicles, leading to excessive hair loss.
    Ruth Jessen Hickman, Health, 16 May 2025
  • According to the Cleveland Clinic, SADS is a heart condition where an abnormal heart rhythm affects the heart’s electrical system, causing sudden death.
    Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • And while sporadic outbreaks have occurred since 2000, recent case counts are nothing compared with the 27,000 cases reported in 1990 or the 450,000 cases reported in 1964.
    Joe Murphy, NBC news, 8 May 2025
  • Since then, his sporadic public appearances have only fueled more discussion online about his well being.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • John’s piano and vocals, thankfully, were front and center, and did not suffer from uneven mixing.
    George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 May 2025
  • Plus, uneven subsidence across a city can destabilize buildings and infrastructure.
    Stefanie Waldek, Space.com, 8 May 2025
Adjective
  • The case underscores the potential risks of informal workplace activities, particularly those involving personality assessments or character comparisons.
    Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025
  • Talks held over breakfast, as well as an informal, one-on-one tea on Thursday morning, are expected to cover their strategic partnership, the war in Ukraine and Russia’s relations with the United States, according to the Kremlin.
    Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 8 May 2025
Adjective
  • Multiple sclerosis bends his limbs in sharp, unnatural angles.
    Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 8 May 2025
  • A week ago, TikTok birthed a strange meme, proposing that the big hat that Zendaya wore back in 2014 during the Teen Vogue Young Hollywood Party contained something unnatural.
    Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025
Adjective
  • With some occasional help from the Rockies, who committed three errors and one big mental mistake, the Padres (24-13) scored in five different innings.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 May 2025
  • Goygol includes 65,000 residents, prim parks, tall pines and occasional Tyrolean architecture.
    Tom Mullen, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025
Adjective
  • Grok 3: The wind howled through the jagged spires of the Frostfang Reaches, carrying a chill that bit deeper than any blade, and Ser Willem Cray felt its teeth in his bones.
    Kelsey Piper, Vox, 12 May 2025
  • For the next hour or so, several of them will summit various routes along the cliff's steep, jagged face.
    Sean Clancy, Arkansas Online, 12 May 2025
Adjective
  • Kennedy has drawn attention for his unconventional approaches to health and wellness, during his presidential campaign and in the months after joining the Trump administration.
    Dan Gooding Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 May 2025
  • But his sponsor’s unconventional approach pulls Peter further off course and pushes him into a living hell that’ll take far more than 12 steps to escape.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 12 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Irregular.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/irregular. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

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