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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

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 anomalous Chelsea’s anomalous presence in the Conference League has changed that but, as many have noted, this particular club has no shortage of senior professional footballers on its books. Liam Twomey, New York Times, 9 May 2025 It's thought that less than 1 percent of the population has an anomalous coronary artery. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Apr. 2025 An anomalous case outside of the U.S. was Tesla’s plant in China. Michael Wayland, CNBC, 23 Apr. 2025 Is that machine identity exhibiting anomalous behavior? Tony Bradley, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for anomalous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anomalous
Adjective
  • Listen to this article The Rent Guidelines Board lowered the range of potential rent increases for some 2 million New Yorkers in an unusual redo vote Tuesday — a move that comes as the issue of freezing rents has taken center stage in the contentious mayoral race.
    Téa Kvetenadze, New York Daily News, 27 May 2025
  • In an unusual step earlier this month, five former directors of the National Weather Service signed an open letter warning that the Trump administration’s cuts to the weather service and its parent agency NOAA may endanger lives.
    Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 27 May 2025
Adjective
  • Storm surge is defined by the National Hurricane Center as an abnormal rise of water generated by a storm.
    Mallory Nicholls, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 May 2025
  • One or more other symptoms like abnormal eye movements (nystagmus), vomiting, paleness, or fearfulness are also present.
    Colleen Doherty, Verywell Health, 26 May 2025
Adjective
  • Now, after years of hard work and harder drinking, Bruce (an extraordinary Bill Camp) has early onset dementia.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 22 May 2025
  • The film chronicles the extraordinary story of a group of inmates who defied the odds to create a timeless piece of art.
    DeMicia Inman, VIBE.com, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • 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.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 18 May 2025
  • For her, the idea of being surrounded by people, especially while grieving, felt overwhelming and unnatural.
    Ashley Vega, People.com, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • The companies that invest in neurodiversity today are unlocking game-changing innovation, future-proofing their organizations and setting a new standard for what an exceptional workplace looks like.
    Ben Semmes, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
  • Some noted the exceptional speed of the winds around Bloomington and Normal that pushed the dust to the north.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 19 May 2025
Adjective
  • This is not unique to Arizona, Famiglietti said, with similar signs of disappearing groundwater happening in the agriculture-heavy Central Valley in California.
    Ella Nilsen, CNN Money, 31 May 2025
  • But that physical training couldn’t prepare him for the unique psychological experience of reaching the top of the world--and then returning safely.
    Mark Joyella, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
Adjective
  • Osprey is offering a rare deal on a travel backpack that’ll hold all of your in-flight essentials.
    Rylee Johnston, Travel + Leisure, 21 May 2025
  • The bill, introduced by Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, passed with unanimous consent – a rare occurrence for substantive legislation.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 21 May 2025
Adjective
  • This led to a delay of the next test flight and an odd resolution between the company and the regulator that was not publicly disclosed but amounts to a slap on the wrist.
    Eric Mack, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
  • Speaking of the first movie, that has to be an odd scene to do with Tom Cruise just hanging above you the entire time.
    Mike Ryan, IndieWire, 27 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Anomalous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anomalous. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

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