Definition of anomalousnext
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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 About a decade ago, however, the city of New Orleans began experiencing accidents involving eighteen-wheelers with a frequency that was anomalous—and alarming. Patrick Radden Keefe, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026 His anomalous body lacked decency. Courtney Crowder, USA Today, 10 Apr. 2026 Two of the Giants’ championship seasons had anomalous temperatures. Greg Porter, San Francisco Chronicle, 25 Mar. 2026 While storms occasionally move through this region, this storm appears to be quite anomalous, with the chances for widespread flooding rains, haboobs -- or dust storms -- and severe weather, including brief tornadoes. Daniel Manzo, ABC News, 24 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for anomalous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anomalous
Adjective
  • The Sun forms a cazimi with Mercury in Taurus in your 3rd House of Communication, illuminating messages, conversations, errands, and daily decisions with unusual clarity.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 14 May 2026
  • The unusual move would allow the administration to bypass a public bidding process, relying on a deal for engineering services already underway at the White House.
    Sarah Blaskey, Washington Post, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • The need-to-know this morning Relay Therapeutics reported promising Phase 2 data of its drug zovegalisib in a group of rare diseases that cause abnormal vasculature development, sending company shares up 9% in premarket trading.
    Elaine Chen, STAT, 19 May 2026
  • T cells normally recognize other cells that have been infected by a virus or bacterium, or are otherwise abnormal, and either destroy them or recruit other parts of the immune system to do so.
    Amber Dance, ArsTechnica, 17 May 2026
Adjective
  • Nowhere is this truer than in Russia, a nation marked by a long history of political repression alongside extraordinary literary brilliance, a rare and uneasy combination.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 May 2026
  • In the dark tunnels of an active mine near Timmins, Ontario, something extraordinary is leaking out of the Earth.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 18 May 2026
Adjective
  • Over the course of Obsession's 108-minute runtime, Nikki transforms into an self-destructive, possessive, and dangerously violent shadow of her former self as Bear's spell forces her to fixate solely on her unnatural devotion to him—no matter the cost.
    Megan McCluskey, Time, 15 May 2026
  • As real trees begin to bloom outside, photographer Widline Cadet picks through two playfully oversized bouquets of positively unnatural plastic flowers.
    Elly Fishman, Vogue, 8 May 2026
Adjective
  • Usually by Terminus, whose exceptional frame and hairless white was itself a sideshow, added to the allure.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 May 2026
  • This rich tradition has been showcased in the plots and action sequences of countless films, including these eight exceptional, beloved classics.
    David Faris, TheWeek, 20 May 2026
Adjective
  • Mental-health support is often discussed in broad terms, but meaningful progress happens when care is local, comprehensive and responsive to the unique needs of individuals and families.
    Maria Bledsoe, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 May 2026
  • Bohun Sandra’s thoughts and approach are so unique.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2026
Adjective
  • In the very rare instances of direct danger, like encountering a particularly nasty beast with huge scythe claws, getting hit only leads to the screen fading out and Yoshi reappearing at the start of the stage.
    Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 19 May 2026
  • Prosecutions of Florida officers who fire their weapons are exceedingly rare.
    Ella Moore, Miami Herald, 19 May 2026
Adjective
  • And maybe hold a parallel history of travel and displacement in some odd way?
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 19 May 2026
  • The episode included Colbert reminiscing on some odd and unfortunate moments from filming The Late Show, and the host chatting with some of his staff about their roles on the show.
    Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 19 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Anomalous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anomalous. Accessed 22 May. 2026.

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