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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
Rising temperatures, irregular rainfall and crop diseases linked to climate change have devastated cocoa yields. Melinda Yao, NBC news, 29 Oct. 2025 Its legs are a similar pale yellow color covered with irregular black and dark-brown markings, according to Omelko. Lauren Liebhaber, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2025
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
  • Her daughter's infatuation with the skeleton is not abnormal, according to Isabel.
    Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025
  • The only way to make a definitive diagnosis is to take thin slices of the brain after the person’s death and use a microscope to look for an abnormal accumulation of tau, a protein that stabilizes certain elements of the brain.
    Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Because, well, our relationship was always so sporadic.
    Eric Andersson, PEOPLE, 4 Nov. 2025
  • Despite sporadic staff shortages at air traffic control facilities across the country since the shutdown began, flight operations have been largely normal.
    Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 3 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Future work will focus on integrating snow-deposition modeling with PV yield simulations to more accurately predict energy losses and on expanding analyses to more complex, uneven alpine terrain.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 2025
  • The Trojans' uneven season hasn't exactly helped slow rumors either.
    Rowan Fisher-Shotton, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • During the 2020 cycle, disinformation targeting Black voters has been spreading through informal channels on social media, according to a report by NBC News.
    David Smiley, Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025
  • The informal meeting represents the first layer in the appeals process the district is entitled to avail itself of, Lecholop said.
    Silas Allen, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • The group began in a Rio de Janeiro prison in the 1970s as a means of self-protection for prisoners, and was inspired by leftist guerrillas.
    Rebecca Schneid, Time, 29 Oct. 2025
  • Their guerrilla tactics were effective, and in 1533 the Spanish signed a treaty with their chief leader, Enriquillo, that ended hostilities in exchange for land and freedom.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • For thousands of years, men in power have been responsible for catastrophe after genocide after unnatural disaster.
    Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Scrutinize fine details like hair, fur, or repetitive patterns that may appear unnatural, and inspect for illogical lighting, shadows, or odd background elements.
    Matt Emma, USA Today, 3 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • So Fernandez ended up scoring two goals and incessantly bothering the Charlotte FC players with his ball skills and occasional extracurricular activity.
    Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 8 Nov. 2025
  • As a durable and washable rug brand, Ruggable is one of our favorite destinations for outdoor rugs, kids rugs, and even the occasional doormat or entryway piece.
    Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Rose now realizes the smeared, dark, jagged edges are an abstract human.
    Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 4 Nov. 2025
  • All the shadows and jagged angles evoke German Expressionism, distorting Ronnie’s confrontation into something both surreal and terrifyingly recognizable.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 31 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Irregular.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/irregular. Accessed 10 Nov. 2025.

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