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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 In a sense, the Kentucky Derby is to overall horse racing what the NCAA Tournament is to the men’s college basketball regular season: An anomalous cultural phenomenon that seems largely immune to the middling, at best, overall popularity of the underlying sport. Mark Story, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 May 2025 Focus on how to close the observability gaps so teams can quickly detect anomalous activity and potential signs of compromise. Martin Roesch, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025 Chelsea’s anomalous presence in the Conference League has changed that but, as many have noted, this particular club has no shortage of senior professional footballers on its books. Liam Twomey, New York Times, 9 May 2025 It's thought that less than 1 percent of the population has an anomalous coronary artery. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for anomalous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anomalous
Adjective
  • The unusual incident was documented on a Reddit page dedicated to all things Walmart.
    Peter Burke, FOXNews.com, 8 June 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • According to investigators, the medical records showed that an amphetamine urine screen was abnormal and presumptive positive.
    Staff report, Hartford Courant, 8 June 2025
  • Researchers have also observed that women in certain agricultural communities experience higher rates of abnormal menstrual cycles, compared to places with fewer farms.
    Matt Fuchs, Time, 5 June 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Beyond opening the door to working with Nashville producers and songwriters, Gerson also connected Juárez and León with Universal Music Group chief Lucian Grainge, who in June 2024 helped formulate a unique partnership between Virgin Music Group, Island Records and Socios Music.
    Leila Cobo, Billboard, 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
  • This was more like a caterpillar body with odd patterns on its plates and a snapping turtle mouth.
    Bill Desowitz, IndieWire, 9 June 2025
  • On top of that, 1972 was the year NASDAQ was set up and 3,000 odd new companies entered the public arena.
    Shivaram Rajgopal, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Anomalous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anomalous. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.

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