irregular 1 of 2

Definition of irregularnext
1
2
3
4
5

irregular

2 of 2

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
Ultrasounds can show irregular growth. Cara Lynn Shultz, PEOPLE, 28 May 2026 Keratoconus often causes high degrees of irregular astigmatism, which is an imperfection in the curvature of the cornea that leads to blurry vision. Neelam Patadia, The Conversation, 27 May 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
  • The sepsis led to disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), which causes abnormal clotting throughout blood vessels in the body.
    Alex Andrejev, New York Times, 27 May 2026
  • The result can be numbness, tingling, burning, or sharp pain which are all signs that the nerve tissue is either trapped in scar tissue or has developed a neuroma, an abnormal healing response at the cut edge of a nerve.
    Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 27 May 2026
Adjective
  • His effectiveness, though, has been sporadic.
    Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 26 May 2026
  • Your inbox, texts or daily plans could get busy fast, and one sporadic exchange might shift your perspective.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 25 May 2026
Adjective
  • Drafty rooms, open windows, ceiling fans, and uneven surfaces can disrupt the flame, causing uneven melting, excessive soot, or wax that burns faster on one side than the other.
    Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 28 May 2026
  • This noncomodegenic and fragrance-free serum foundation helps smooth redness and uneven skin texture.
    Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 28 May 2026
Adjective
  • The mayor and city’s deputy mayor attended the main chamber event where the mayor gave his address, while the three other council members — O’Hara, Shaffer and San Antonio — attended the informal mixer portion, but were directed to leave before the main dinner gala occurred.
    Barbara Henry, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 May 2026
  • Iraq’s oil sales fueled much of its $94 billion in revenues in 2025, yet little trickles down to the millions who eke out in a precarious informal sector, with little protection and meager pay.
    Nabil Salih, Time, 26 May 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
  • There, the Castros led the guerrilla war that ended with the overthrow of dictator Fulgencio ​Batista three years later, in 1959.
    Chris Kenning, USA Today, 21 May 2026
  • What this means is that Ukraine has now advanced from a more guerrilla-style use of drones to a more state-level strategic air warfare capability.
    Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 17 May 2026
Adjective
  • In a nearby tent was Zuhoor Musa Abdul Rahman, a 30-year-old housewife who recounted with unnatural calm the horrors that spurred her to flee El Fasher, a city some 300 miles east of Obeid.
    Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2026
  • Only Maddie saw the unnatural, violent pull back inside, and most of the scares that follow likewise blur the line between reality and fantasy.
    Elena Lazic, Variety, 24 May 2026
Adjective
  • The room received the work with laughter, snaps, and occasional utterances of that satisfied poetry moan.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 May 2026
  • The air force also operates limited transport and rotary-wing assets, including Antonov An-2, An-26 and An-32 aircraft, occasional Ilyushin transports, and approximately 13 helicopters, including Mi-8, Mi-17, Mi-14 and Mi-24 variants used for transport, naval support and utility missions.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 28 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on irregular

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster