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Definition of irregularnext
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irregular

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word irregular distinct from other similar adjectives?

The words anomalous and unnatural are common synonyms of irregular. While all three words mean "not conforming to rule, law, or custom," 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 would anomalous be a good substitute for irregular?

Although the words anomalous and irregular have much in common, 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

When could unnatural be used to replace irregular?

The meanings of unnatural and irregular 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 irregular
Adjective
If market watchers can spot irregular trades, surely enemies can, too. Jon Wertheim, CBS News, 28 June 2026 Many have irregular or pock-marked shapes, while others have a smooth crust from their time burning up in our atmosphere. Adam Lark, Scientific American, 28 June 2026
Noun
As volunteer companies were raised to drive out the Mexican forces — who were occupying their own country — some of the irregulars were joined by free black men. Paula Allen, ExpressNews.com, 15 Feb. 2020 Turkish troops then began shelling Kurdish towns in Syria, and Turkish forces pushed forward, irregulars executing people in ditches along the road. Time, 14 Nov. 2019 See All Example Sentences for irregular
Recent Examples of Synonyms for irregular
Adjective
  • In this context, when screening healthy asymptomatic people who aren’t at high risk, the chance at an ideal screening result of identifying abnormal tissue that can be eliminated is very low.
    Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • The abnormal heat has been driven by the onset of El Niño, a natural climate pattern characterized by unusually warm waters along the equatorial tropical Pacific Ocean.
    Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 1 July 2026
Adjective
  • The only other competitors were the Anglo-French Concorde and the sporadic Soviet Tupolev Tu-144 program.
    David Szondy July 02, New Atlas, 2 July 2026
  • Redevelopment in downtown Miami and the accidental discovery of the mysterious Miami Circle in 1998 have ushered in a quarter-century of sporadic but remarkable archaeological revelations.
    Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 30 June 2026
Adjective
  • If visible pores or uneven texture is a concern for you at all, this primer is the ultimate solution.
    Jenna Curcio, InStyle, 25 June 2026
  • As with that earlier boom-and-bust cycle, the AI landscape is likely to yield uneven outcomes, according to Qian Wang, global head of capital market research at Vanguard, and senior global economist Kevin Khang.
    Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • Authorities are also investigating the death of a Malawian man after he was allegedly killed by a mob at an informal settlement in the city of Pietermaritzburg, near Durban.
    Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 29 June 2026
  • It is joined by an adjoining family room and informal dining area.
    Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 29 June 2026
Adjective
  • In some studies, gloves not changed between tasks had higher bacterial counts and could transfer germs just as easily as ungloved hands, underscoring the need for frequent changing and proper hand hygiene.
    Evan Moore December 19, Charlotte Observer, 19 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • Cepeda had participated in and continued throughout the campaign to promote negotiations with guerrillas and cartels.
    CBS News, CBS News, 29 June 2026
  • As part of this shift, Cuban officers are opting to train soldiers in guerrilla tactics rather than conventional warfare — a strategic departure corroborated by Cancian that is also evident in the footage.
    Avery Schmitz, CNN Money, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • Even after extensive engineering, Coach Eve would take about three seconds to reply to a question—a delay users felt was uncomfortable and unnatural.
    Benjamin Wolff, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
  • His speech was an unnatural blur.
    Paige Williams, New Yorker, 22 June 2026
Adjective
  • Luke Russert joined his father for major political conventions and occasional shows on the road, Fischer Martin said.
    Jay Stahl, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • This frequent, high-profile casting strategy, distinct from occasional star cameos, transforms 'Oh, Mary' into a dynamic, high-demand theatrical experience.
    Katie North, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Irregular.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/irregular. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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