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Definition of irregularnext
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irregular

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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

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
Particles in this time crystal move in an irregular, nonreciprocal manner, opening new possibilities for technology and industry. Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 23 Mar. 2026 Extremely high doses can lead to irregular heartbeats or even cause the heart to stop altogether, according to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Theara Coleman, TheWeek, 23 Mar. 2026
Noun
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 See All Example Sentences for irregular
Recent Examples of Synonyms for irregular
Adjective
  • These plants contain cardiac glycosides, which can cause unpleasant symptoms for dogs and cats alike, such as drooling, diarrhea, abdominal pain, abnormal heart rhythm, and even some neurologic signs.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 24 Mar. 2026
  • Experts said unprecedented and deadly weather extremes that sometimes strike at abnormal times and in unusual places are putting more people in danger.
    Dallas Morning News, Dallas Morning News, 20 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Roberts said Kim would benefit from getting more consistent playing time in Triple-A rather than getting sporadic playing time in the major leagues.
    Michael Huntley, Oc Register, 23 Mar. 2026
  • Borek credited Muszelik with perhaps an even tougher challenge of having to stave off sporadic waves, versus the consistent pressure Lundgren faced.
    Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 22 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • So while ending as a positive, the unit’s minutes were uneven.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2026
  • Sound waves ricocheting between buildings stretched out reverberation times and created an uneven acoustic field.
    Yook JiHun, Popular Science, 26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Crain requested an informal report on data centers from city staff on Monday, March 23.
    Emily Holshouser, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Mar. 2026
  • By the end of production, Simmonds was running informal signing tests with the rest of the cast on set during breaks.
    Kennedy French, Variety, 25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • In some studies, gloves not changed between tasks had higher bacterial counts and could transfer germs just as easily as ungloved hands, underscoring the need for frequent changing and proper hand hygiene.
    Evan Moore December 19, Charlotte Observer, 19 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • Hezbollah, established that year, waged a guerrilla campaign that eventually ended the Israeli occupation in 2000.
    ABC News, ABC News, 26 Mar. 2026
  • Repression in this small northern province had been especially fierce, as guerrilla groups had controlled large parts of the territory before the coup.
    Débora Rey, Los Angeles Times, 24 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • As his band’s popularity and star power rise, so does Lestat’s influence over vampires and humans alike, leaving others to contend with Lestat’s power in the face of the Great Conversion, an unnatural surge in the vampire population.
    Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 27 Mar. 2026
  • While some can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and concerns, many are created with specific consumers and their needs in mind.
    Lily Wohlner, Allure, 18 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Mostly playing garbage time minutes for the Lakers, or the occasional start when injuries depleted the game-day roster, Bronny James stepped into rotation minutes in Indiana.
    Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 26 Mar. 2026
  • Driving east on Route 80 toward the Meta site in Holly Ridge, an unincorporated rural community about 15 minutes east of Rayville—the landscape is defined by flat expanses of soybean and cotton fields, punctuated by grain silos, grazing cows, and the occasional tractor.
    Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 26 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Irregular.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/irregular. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026.

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