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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
Brown collected speech examples of 49 Canadians from online sources and analyzed the samples using the telltale acoustic markers of vocal fry, such as low and/or irregular pitch, spectral tilt (differences in amplitude between the first and second harmonics), and harmonics-to-noise ratios. ArsTechnica, 14 May 2026 It was found to be associated with a slight increase in male hormone levels that can cause irregular periods and fertility issues. Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 13 May 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 recent decades, drugs that target these proteins on the surface of tumor cells have been able to slow abnormal growth and control breast, lung, pancreas, and colon cancers involving these genes.
    Alice Park, Time, 12 May 2026
  • Moments later, someone ran by with an AED defibrillator—the portable device helps detect an abnormal heartbeat and can deliver an electrical shock during sudden cardiac arrest.
    Asal Rezaei, CBS News, 12 May 2026
Adjective
  • There were sporadic injuries reported as well as some arrests and property damage.
    ABC News, ABC News, 18 May 2026
  • Flowers nearly cover the plant in spring, followed by sporadic blooms throughout the season.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 16 May 2026
Adjective
  • These Italian suede sneakers feature a durable gum sole that’s perfect for a long day of walking without tripping over cobblestones or uneven pavement.
    Melony Forcier, Travel + Leisure, 14 May 2026
  • Elsewhere, shopping was uneven.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • And Democratic operatives have begun informal discussions about recruiting a new chair, even as most believe that Martin's job isn't in serious jeopardy ahead of the midterm elections.
    ABC News, ABC News, 13 May 2026
  • Lepoutre said Chapiron’s project is inspired by real cases in France involving young women who set themselves up as informal practitioners, offering discounted Botox and injections with dubious products.
    Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 13 May 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
  • What this means is that Ukraine has now advanced from a more guerrilla-style use of drones to a more state-level strategic air warfare capability.
    Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 17 May 2026
  • These guerrilla pop-ups launched the heartland quartet – singer Tyson Ritter, lead guitarist Nick Wheeler, rhythm guitarist Mike Kennerty and drummer Chris Gaylor – into a world of TikToks and Instagram posts, simultaneously cultivating a fan base decades younger than the now-middle-aged rockers.
    Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 16 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
  • The concentrated schedule created a sense of occasion and urgency that is diluted when games are spread across Thursdays, occasional Wednesdays, Friday holidays, Saturday nights, Sunday mornings and multiple streaming-exclusive windows.
    Bobby Burack OutKick, FOXNews.com, 14 May 2026
  • This is a play that takes young people and their problems seriously, while incorporating occasional humor into the script and direction.
    Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Irregular.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/irregular. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

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