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 child's grandparents, who lived in the home, told police that nothing abnormal had happened to the child with the exception of a small cold, per the outlets.
—
Christina Coulter, People.com, 4 June 2025
For example, certain abnormal growths on your reproductive organs (like uterine or cervical polyps or fibroids) could spark a random gush.
—Erica Sloan, SELF, 3 June 2025
The phenomenon is even leading to more instances of doctors diagnosing certain cancers by 50 percent or more, due to the availability of new imaging tech that can detect even minuscule traces of abnormal cells.
—Dylan Scott, Vox, 26 May 2025
If your results are abnormal, your healthcare provider may recommend further testing, such as a biopsy or mammogram.1
A Quick Review
A breast ultrasound is a simple imaging test healthcare providers use to examine your breast tissue and look for signs of cancer or other conditions.
—Carrie Madormo, Health, 25 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for abnormal
Christina Coulter, People.com, 4 June 2025
For example, certain abnormal growths on your reproductive organs (like uterine or cervical polyps or fibroids) could spark a random gush.
—Erica Sloan, SELF, 3 June 2025
The phenomenon is even leading to more instances of doctors diagnosing certain cancers by 50 percent or more, due to the availability of new imaging tech that can detect even minuscule traces of abnormal cells.
—Dylan Scott, Vox, 26 May 2025
If your results are abnormal, your healthcare provider may recommend further testing, such as a biopsy or mammogram.1
A Quick Review
A breast ultrasound is a simple imaging test healthcare providers use to examine your breast tissue and look for signs of cancer or other conditions.
—Carrie Madormo, Health, 25 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for abnormal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abnormal
Adjective
-
Hamas issued an unusual warning about another hostage, Matan Zangauker, saying Israel's military had surrounded the area where he's held and that any harm that came to him during a rescue attempt would be Israel's responsibility.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
8 June 2025
-
The unusual incident was documented on a Reddit page dedicated to all things Walmart.—
Peter Burke,
FOXNews.com,
8 June 2025
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.—
Annie Blackman,
Allure,
31 May 2025
-
Concurrently, fire exclusion policies aimed to protect young stands but inadvertently led to unnatural fuel accumulation beneath regenerating trees.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
24 May 2025
Adjective
-
But Madigan’s extraordinary four days of testimony, in the end, weren’t enough.—
Ray Long,
Chicago Tribune,
15 June 2025
-
This extraordinary high-altitude migration highlights the their unique physiological adaptations, offering valuable insight into how animals can evolve to overcome extreme environmental challenges.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
15 June 2025
Adjective
-
But bypassing multiple periods or having irregular ones could also be a sign of a hormonal disorder—like a thyroid problem or a condition called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)—that’s interfering with your cycle in ways that could risk your health.—
Erica Sloan,
SELF,
3 June 2025
-
Both candidates are using migration in Poland as a core campaign issue. Migration, particularly irregular migration, is one of the dominant issues in the country, particularly with regards to the war in Ukraine and Poland’s eastern border with Belarus.—
Frey Lindsay,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2025
Adjective
-
From San Francisco to Seoul, these 58 extraordinary watering holes serve up exceptional cocktails, stunning design and world-class service.—
Forbes Staff,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2025
-
Barring an exceptional situation, such as an injury crisis, he is not expected to play regularly for the first team — despite appearing in five games this season and scoring his first senior goal in May.—
Guillermo Rai,
New York Times,
13 June 2025
Adjective
-
His unparalleled talent and unique spirit created the soundtrack of so many lives around the globe, including our own.—
Lisa Respers France,
CNN Money,
12 June 2025
-
Players take turns adding their own spin with a creative stroke, but everyone respects the rule associated with this unique tradition.—
Jaylon Thompson,
Kansas City Star,
12 June 2025
Adjective
-
Baugh’s cutting ability and wiggle at 6-foot ¾, 230 pounds are rare.—
Edgar Thompson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
14 June 2025
-
Rahmani said cases against protesters passing out supplies are rare but legally possible.—
Kaelan Deese,
The Washington Examiner,
14 June 2025
Adjective
-
Disagreeing with your boss is not uncommon, but there are ways to make your criticism stick without involving others—in this case, the American public.—
Maria Gracia Santillana Linares,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
-
Michael Goldfarb, an employment attorney and CEO of Guardian HR, told Newsweek that the scenario described in the Reddit post is not uncommon.—
Soo Kim,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Abnormal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abnormal. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share