Synonyms of anomalous

anomalous

adjective

ə-ˈnä-mə-ləs 

1

as in unusual

being out of the ordinary

that was an anomalous year for the housing industry, so the number of starts is anything but typical

Synonyms & Similar Words

• unusual
• extraordinary
• exceptional
• abnormal
• unique
• rare
• odd
• uncommon
• outstanding
• remarkable
• singular
• atypical
• aberrant
• exceeding
• peculiar
• incredible
• phenomenal
• unwonted
• noticeable
• especial
• striking
• aberrated
• uncustomary
• freak
• notable
• conspicuous
• prominent
• preternatural
• salient
• bizarre
• eccentric
• strange
• deviant
• extraordinaire
• weird
• outlandish
• freakish
• inconceivable
• oddball
• incomprehensible
• quaint
• unthinkable
• unimaginable
• monstrous

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• normal
• ordinary
• common
• typical
• usual
• customary
• unexceptional
• unextraordinary
• familiar
• frequent
• everyday

2

as in abnormal

departing from some accepted standard of what is normal

an anomalous burst of anger from this usually easygoing person

Synonyms & Similar Words

• abnormal
• unnatural
• unusual
• irregular
• atypical
• uncommon
• aberrant
• deviant
• untypical
• extraordinary
• aberrational
• odd
• deviate
• devious
• bizarre
• eccentric
• strange
• weird
• unrepresentative
• peculiar
• rare
• remarkable
• unconventional
• curious
• funny
• idiosyncratic
• unwonted
• quirky
• outlandish
• freakish
• preternatural
• screwy
• wacky
• kinky
• out-of-the-way
• unorthodox
• quaint
• queer
• outré
• uncustomary
• nonconformist
• wild
• way-out
• far-out
• queerish

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• normal
• typical
• natural
• regular
• standard
• ordinary
• common
• familiar
• commonplace
• routine
• everyday
• usual
• unremarkable
• characteristic
• customary
• unexceptional
• average
• run-of-the-mill
• run-of-the-mine
• representative
• workaday
• archetypal
• wonted

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

Recent Examples of anomalous

Milan’s 4-0 thumping of Barcelona in 1994 was anomalous compared with the rest of their European campaign that season, but their defensive foundations were strong — with half of their six group games finishing 0-0. —Mark Carey, New York Times, 29 May 2026

This is a highly anomalous storm for a number of reasons. —Terry Eliasen, CBS News, 28 May 2026

Testing and scans revealed that Grant had a rare birth defect called partial anomalous pulmonary venous return, or a PAPVR, which improperly circulates blood through the chambers of the heart. —Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 26 May 2026

Not to make too much of what is a relatively small (though not insignificant) role, but Jude’s anomalous casting as Malia’s Marcus Aurelius-quoting, crane operator dad does carry with it a current of eccentric vivacity that the rest of the film sorely lacks. —Jessica Kiang, Variety, 18 May 2026