1
as in unusual
being out of the ordinary
a completely abnormal school day, because half of the kids were out sick
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in unnatural
departing from some accepted standard of what is normal
noticed his abnormal breathing and took him to the emergency room
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 abnormal
The team found, for instance, that abnormal blood-test results in the emergency room more than doubled.
—
Katharine Gammon, The Atlantic, 23 Jan. 2026
For the first time in 25 years, the state recently declared there were zero areas of abnormal dryness in California.
—James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2026
Ventricular arrhythmias are an abnormal heartbeat that occurs in the lower heart chambers.
—Ciara McCarthy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Jan. 2026
Daniel Naroditsky, one of the world’s greatest chess champions and a coach at the Charlotte Chess Center, died of cardiac arrhythmia, or an abnormal heartbeat, after ingesting methamphetamine and kratom, according to his autopsy report.
—Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 21 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for abnormal
Katharine Gammon, The Atlantic, 23 Jan. 2026
For the first time in 25 years, the state recently declared there were zero areas of abnormal dryness in California.
—James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2026
Ventricular arrhythmias are an abnormal heartbeat that occurs in the lower heart chambers.
—Ciara McCarthy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Jan. 2026
Daniel Naroditsky, one of the world’s greatest chess champions and a coach at the Charlotte Chess Center, died of cardiac arrhythmia, or an abnormal heartbeat, after ingesting methamphetamine and kratom, according to his autopsy report.
—Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 21 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for abnormal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abnormal
Adjective
-
This time hosted against the dramatic architecture of Verona’s Roman Arena, this ceremony will celebrate the achievements of athletes from around the world, setting an unusual precedent of differing from the location of the opening ceremony.—
Sam Leveridge,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
-
The film takes some departures from the visual styles found in Pickford’s other films, invoking an unusual tone of despair while deploying camera angles and lighting akin to German Expressionist cinema.—
Mike Barnes,
HollywoodReporter,
29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
While there are certainly products that can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and needs, hair products are often created with specific consumers in mind.—
Jailynn Taylor,
Allure,
31 Dec. 2025
-
The handsome pair of actors play sniper specialists from enemy countries who must each take a long shift on opposite sides of a massive trench where some unnatural monsters apparently lurk below.—
Jeff Spry,
Space.com,
27 Dec. 2025
Adjective
-
The evening brought together chefs, civic leaders, business innovators, artists and community advocates to honor renewal, rebuild momentum and remind Angelenos what makes the city extraordinary.—
Michelle Edgar,
Daily News,
27 Jan. 2026
-
The contest aims to highlight extraordinary moments from beneath the surface that usually go unseen.—
Leslie Katz,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Set aside to cool and then break into irregular shards and reserve for topping the soup.—
Hailee Catalano,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
23 Jan. 2026
-
Common symptoms of a cardiac event, like a heart attack, include chest pain or pressure, lightheadedness, heart palpitations and irregular heart rhythms, according to the AHA.—
Isa Almeida,
Oklahoman,
23 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The ship offers a rare opportunity to follow in the footsteps of historic polar explorers, paired with refined design, exceptional cuisine and a strong scientific mission.—
Laura Begley Bloom,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
-
At Old Trafford a fortnight earlier in the third round of the FA Cup, the game management of Kostoulas was exceptional in helping to protect a 2-1 lead as a late substitute.—
Andy Naylor,
New York Times,
28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
But Denver will face a unique challenge on the other side of the ball.—
Matt Schooley,
CBS News,
25 Jan. 2026
-
Then, Sky went for the double knees in the corner, Morgan avoided, and hit Perez with a unique spinning crucifix bomb pin that nearly won Judgment Day the match.—
Blake Oestriecher,
Forbes.com,
25 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Engineers can simulate rare or dangerous situations safely.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
28 Jan. 2026
-
So rare as to be rarely let go.—
James Horncastle,
New York Times,
28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Snow, ice, and especially strong crosswinds can make driving unpredictable, and whiteouts aren’t uncommon during storms.—
Staff Report,
Hartford Courant,
24 Jan. 2026
-
This combination of growth and capital returns is uncommon in tech hardware.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
23 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Abnormal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abnormal. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
