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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

Examples 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 Resilience and defending normal operations, while surgically disrupting anomalous malicious behavior, is critical. Marcus Fowler, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024 On the surface, Southampton and Crystal Palace might appear anomalous in this respect, but their homegrown players are some of their most experienced. Elias Burke, The Athletic, 20 Nov. 2024 Monitor for anomalous behavior and secure device configuration. Shankar Somasundaram, Forbes, 28 Nov. 2024 The anomalous state of Uranus's magnetosphere during the Voyager 2 flyby. Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 25 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for anomalous 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anomalous
Adjective
  • Use it to categorize spending, flag unusual costs and even suggest areas for potential savings.
    Aleesha Webb, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025
  • Starting Trotter in the playoffs would be an unusual decision by Fangio.
    Brooks Kubena, The Athletic, 15 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Compared to male rats that didn’t consume any dye, male rats that ate the most had a significantly higher incidence of tumors — both malignant and benign — as well as abnormal cell growth in the thyroid.
    Karen Kaplan, Los Angeles Times, 15 Jan. 2025
  • Notably, two or more abnormal body fat measurements could still classify an individual as obese, regardless of BMI.
    Dr. Jennifer Miao, ABC News, 14 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Just as the space race of the 20th century drove extraordinary technological progress, the energy race is pushing new boundaries today.
    Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 10 Jan. 2025
  • The seven books below follow people who faced extraordinary predicaments and, instead of caving in, found ways to push back.
    Vanessa Armstrong, The Atlantic, 10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Labeling something so personal feels almost unnatural.
    Ron Hart, SPIN, 10 Jan. 2025
  • 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.
    Erin Parker, Allure, 3 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The list spotlights the most exceptional achievements in film by Asian Pacific creatives over the past year.
    Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 8 Jan. 2025
  • On the palate, the wine exhibits exceptional intensity, texture, purity and a dull-bodied finish with velvety but noticeable tannins.
    Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 8 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The Sacramento Bee 916-326-5502 Andrew Sheeler covers California’s unique political climate for The Sacramento Bee.
    Andrew Sheeler, Sacramento Bee, 7 Jan. 2025
  • However, this unique screen capability comes at a considerable cost.
    Barry Collins, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Defamation trials are rare in the U.S. due to constitutional protections for the press, which make proving libel difficult.
    Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 9 Jan. 2025
  • Nuclear material trafficking convictions are comparatively rare, given the industry’s stringent regulations.
    Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 9 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Key Background Rumors of a rift developing between Lively and Baldoni started to emerge ahead of the film's premiere and were fueled by the press tour, during which the pair made no joint appearances (an odd arrangement for a film's star and its director and co-star).
    Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025
  • While there are still some odd miscues leading to goals against, he’s done an excellent job limiting chances and driving enough offense to make up for it.
    Dom Luszczyszyn, The Athletic, 16 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near anomalous

Cite this Entry

“Anomalous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anomalous. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on anomalous

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