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Synonym Chooser

How is the word anomalous distinct from other similar adjectives?

The words irregular and unnatural are common synonyms of anomalous. While all three words mean "not conforming to rule, law, or custom," 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

Where would irregular be a reasonable alternative to anomalous?

Although the words irregular and anomalous have much in common, 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 is it sensible to use unnatural instead of anomalous?

The meanings of unnatural and anomalous 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 anomalous The first group of disorders is based on anomalous activity preferences. Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025 This is an American story made by an international cohort — Chilean filmmaker Pablo Larrain is an executive producer under his Fabula production banner — and the film is so much more than just an exploration of this anomalous oddball story and character who managed to outsmart the media. Katie Walsh, Boston Herald, 4 Apr. 2025 Officials issued mandatory evacuation orders via social media that included homes, hotels and a Walmart. Jennifer Thompson, a National Weather Service meteorologist in Norman, described the fire conditions in the central and northern parts of the state as historic and highly anomalous. Sean Murphy and Russ Bynum, Los Angeles Times, 15 Mar. 2025 Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (N.Y.) says President Trump should declassify secret government archives about unidentified flying objects (UFOs), also known as unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAPs), in the spirit of greater government transparency. Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 23 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for anomalous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anomalous
Adjective
  • But many don't realize there are lots of other, more unusual ways allergies can show up.
    Angela Haupt, Time, 2 May 2025
  • That’s not unusual, for people to send spritzes, but then the manager came out with a gift bag.
    Seija Rankin, HollywoodReporter, 2 May 2025
Adjective
  • The thing is, there are normal technologies that lead to abnormal impacts.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
  • Some patients with dysphonia feel that their abnormal voice issues affect their relationships and their ability to perform their job or take on leadership or public-facing roles.
    Indu Subramanian, The Conversation, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • In the following months, Modi’s government introduced a series of extraordinary initiatives meant to solidify Hindu dominance.
    Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2025
  • One minor injury was reported in the extraordinary mishap.
    Anne Flaherty, ABC News, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • While headphones usually create an unnatural and exaggerated stereo field inside the listener’s head, with virtual acoustic spaces a more natural stereo field can be experienced through headphones.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Photos often have unnatural colors, with little detail upon close inspection.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The secret to an exceptional Amatriciana lies in selecting impeccable guanciale Amatriciano—with its perfect balance of tender meat and luxurious fat—creating the foundation upon which this masterpiece is built.
    Jenn Rice, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025
  • His answer, given the exceptional political and economic turmoil in Canada, was a bit surprising.
    Ian Austen, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Hepworth has a unique advantage because of his background.
    Kody Boye, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
  • How To Make Egg Gravy Want to try this unique recipe at home?
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Ava has severe cognitive impairment and a rare form of epilepsy.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2025
  • The floors were constructed with longleaf pine, rare timber harvested from virgin forests that once flourished in East Texas.
    Hollace Ava Weiner, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • By the mid-Seventies, Walker was working odd jobs and soon started playing with the gospel group, the Spiritual Corinthians.
    Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 2 May 2025
  • TikTok users zoomed in on their television screens that night, posting clips highlighting the odd energy being directed Meester’s way.
    Amy Kaufman, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Anomalous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anomalous. Accessed 9 May. 2025.

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