ANOMALOUS Synonyms: 96 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

anomalous

adjective

ə-ˈnä-mə-ləs

Definition of anomalous next

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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 In the game, powerful artifacts are produced by the Zone’s anomalous energy, and the people who travel to it in search of them are dubbed stalkers. —

Issy Van Der Velde, Rolling Stone, 20 Nov. 2024 Democratic pundits were quick to assert that the results were anomalous, but post-election analyses showed that the shift was widespread. —

The New Yorker, 5 Nov. 2024 This time around, with more money on the line and election denialism already in the air, a contested election could result in even more anomalous election odds after the polls close. —

Lila Shroff, The Atlantic, 31 Oct. 2024 Simultaneously controlling public housing funds as governor and maintaining an ownership stake in his private brokerage firm with potential knowledge of its business interests raises red flags for experts in government ethics and Maryland law, who say that Hogan’s situation was anomalous. —

Eric Cortellessa, TIME, 10 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for anomalous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for anomalous

Adjective

While most incidents have come in New Jersey, other states, including Maryland, Virginia, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York, have also reported unusual drone activity to law enforcement.

Maya Homan, USA TODAY, 17 Dec. 2024
But when physicians look at a pool of unusual test results, the chaotic sequencing pattern could flag whether something more serious may be going on and the mother could benefit from additional testing, Bianchi said.

Jacqueline Howard, CNN, 16 Dec. 2024