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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
The Mexican government, for instance, has deployed a significant number of resources and National Guard troops to reduce irregular migration through its territory and toward the US-Mexico border. Dan Gooding, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Oct. 2025 Just a year later, the series lost its sponsor, Alcoa, and was shunted from its Tuesday-night prime-time slot to random, irregular dead zones on the schedule. Bruce Handy, New Yorker, 6 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for irregular
Recent Examples of Synonyms for irregular
Adjective
  • In the most common type of surgery, doctors aim to stabilize abnormal parts of the retina that can cause bleeding, swelling or detachment.
    Liz Szabo, Scientific American, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Nine sacks might be abnormal, but the constant pressure that disrupts game plans is not new for Denver’s defense.
    Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • These factions do not hold stable territory, but their sporadic resistance — from raids to armed standoffs — signals the first cracks in Hamas’s grip.
    Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Freeze’s scheme, however, has leaned too heavily on sporadic big plays and not enough on sustained drives — a formula that has left Auburn struggling in late-game situations.
    Zach Sweet, Kansas City Star, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • After years of uneven results, prospects at main camp gave an indication that this season might be different.
    Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
  • Geographic and demographic disparities The uneven distribution of EV charging infrastructure is a huge challenge.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The venue’s intimacy, coupled with a more informal, speakeasy vibe, permeated an award ceremony that was notable for its moments of laughter and easy congeniality.
    Leila Cobo, Billboard, 17 Oct. 2025
  • The Covid-19 pandemic meant that the research was slow to get off the ground and, more crucially, informal conversations Adamala had with colleagues in other fields, at conferences and other forums, began to sow alarm.
    Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • So watch the video carefully and try to catch the signs of unnatural eye movements, lip-sync issues, weird lighting, shadows and voice inconsistencies.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Temporary runways tend to be sketchier to run and jump from, while makeshift throwing set-ups can feel unnatural.
    Liam Tharme, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • While some may view it as extravagant goods and high-end services, others see it as occasional splurges, unique experiences and good health.
    Maddie McGay, USA Today, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Daily and nightly tours now offer visitors its complex history, along with an occasional paranormal scare.
    Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The Maah Daah Hey Trail runs for 144 miles, offering some of the best exposure to what’s left of the country’s majestic grasslands, plus surprisingly jagged peaks, rugged plateaus, and ample river crossings.
    Jacqueline Kehoe, AFAR Media, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Its alpine-style streets, surrounded by jagged peaks, are lined with breweries and boutique shops.
    Chantelle Kincy, Travel + Leisure, 14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The story behind this winning idea is a bit unconventional compared to other product rollouts.
    Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 13 Oct. 2025
  • That same headbanging energy has defined her steady, albeit unconventional, political rise.
    Hanako Montgomery, CNN Money, 11 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Irregular.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/irregular. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.

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