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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 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 The wealth division's near-miss was reported to regulators and the company has since set up a tool to help vet large, anomalous payments and transfers, according to the report. Bhanvi Satija, USA TODAY, 4 Mar. 2025 Other Extended Features In addition to monitoring your credit card and bank accounts for anomalous transactions, Bitdefender alerts you to possible fraudulent transactions in your investment accounts. PCMAG, 22 Jan. 2025 The plan was already beginning to emerge on a sheet of Mylar graph paper—an oval, surrounded by arrows, with a handful of anomalous objects marked. Julian Lucas, The New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for anomalous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anomalous
Adjective
  • Although not musicians, the Goldbergs quickly realized there was something unusual about their 3-year-old boy.
    Steve Rothaus, Miami Herald, 21 Apr. 2025
  • For one group of six girls living in Waterloo, Canada, their lives took an unusual turn when a couple of very territorial geese decided to claim their front lawn as their own.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 19 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Research indicates that girls with autism have higher rates of abnormal hormonal changes, including irregular menstrual cycles, cramps, acne, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) than girls without autism.
    Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 21 Apr. 2025
  • In some cases, the procedure can even identify, diagnose and treat things like abnormal growths all in one procedure.
    Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Harvard University President Alan Garber released an open letter today that provided an exceptional example of leadership integrity when faced with extraordinary external pressure.
    Dan Pontefract, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • America’s trading partners have scrambled to respond to the extraordinary array of tariffs Mr. Trump has announced, including a 10 percent tax on virtually all U.S. imports.
    Joe Rennison, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • In an alternative '90s, dark waters from the underground scientific facility have risen to flood the town and deliver a menagerie of natural and unnatural nightmares.
    Jeff Spry, Space.com, 11 Apr. 2025
  • In this type of thinking, the desire to be alone is seen as unnatural and unhealthy, something to be pitied or feared rather than valued or encouraged.
    Virginia Thomas, The Conversation, 4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • This compact security camera offers exceptional value and robust features in a tiny design.
    Shubham Yewale, PC Magazine, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Don’t miss out on the opportunity to be a part of this exceptional community.
    Prime Development, Kansas City Star, 13 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • These lanterns are bright, and their unique design makes the solar hanging light the perfect outdoor decoration.
    Nora Colomer, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The underlying signal itself can also be unique for people or groups of people.
    Eloy Geenjaar, The Conversation, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The exemptions were a rare piece of good news for the battered financial markets, and U.S. stocks closed higher Monday.
    John Bacon, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2025
  • By 1815, machine breaking had become rare, but the plight of the artisans remained dire.
    John Cassidy, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Held in the odd year after the presidential election since 1869, Virginia’s gubernatorial race is a cyclical scorecard for voters’ moods and the issues at the forefront of the national consciousness.
    Savannah Kuchar, USA Today, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Marred by odd promo segments and a general lack of chemistry, Stratton vs. Flair underwhelmed and underdelivered.
    Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Anomalous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anomalous. Accessed 26 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on anomalous

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