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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

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 irregular
Adjective
The hinged cuff design ensures a comfortable fit, while the irregular shape brings a unique, artistic vibe to your wrist. Mia Meltzer, Rolling Stone, 31 Oct. 2024 Symptoms differ depending on the nutrient but generally include loss of appetite, irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia), muscle weakness, kidney failure, and even death in severe cases.8136912 Toxicity from food sources alone is rare. Amy Brownstein, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 31 Oct. 2024
Noun
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 Pakistani irregulars invaded, India intervened, and the two countries fought to a stalemate. Washington Post, 15 Feb. 2019 See all Example Sentences for irregular 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for irregular
Adjective
  • The decrease is attributed to the non-recurrence of prior year abnormal backlog deliveries and lower total demand.
    Quartz Bot, Quartz, 7 Nov. 2024
  • Treatments for abnormal ferritin levels may include eating iron-rich foods like lean salmon, leafy green vegetables, and beans.
    Lindsay Curtis, Health, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Haze — a cousin of drum legend Buddy Rich — went on to appear in Corman’s 1963 films The Terror and X: The Man with the X-Ray Eyes and would have sporadic film and TV roles culminating with the 2010 gangland drama feature Nobody Smiling.
    Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 4 Nov. 2024
  • Popular on Variety As for adult viewers, they may be engrossed during the sporadic stretches of middling suspense, and impressed by the striking cinematography of Idan Menin, which greatly enhances the movie’s overall impact.
    Joe Leydon, Variety, 1 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Hospital finances are strikingly uneven across the industry.
    Maya Goldman, Axios, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Progress has also been uneven across geographies and sectors.
    Sumant Sinha, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Whatever the result of those efforts, and whether or not Musk has a formal or informal government role in Trump’s new administration, the last thing that Tesla investors would want to see is Musk being further distracted from his time running Tesla, said Ives.
    CNN.com, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
  • Though Zara is not a full-time working royal like her cousin Prince William, she and her husband are often spotted at the royal family's formal and informal events, from King Charles' coronation to Royal Ascot and holiday church outings.
    Janine Henni, People.com, 4 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Now Morisseau, who is half Haitian and half Black American, is exploring a new setting, that of urbane Port-au-Prince, some years after the 2010 earthquake, a natural disaster that brought to the fore, with devastating clarity, the unnatural cycles of exploitation that threaten to define Haiti.
    Doreen St. Félix, The New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2024
  • While some can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and concerns, many are created with specific consumers and their needs in mind.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 2 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The army has returned to several areas of Gaza multiple times after previous operations, as Hamas continues to carry out hit-and-run attacks on troops and fire occasional rockets into Israel.
    Wafaa Shurafa and Samy Magdy, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Staying in touch: Send occasional check-ins, updates, or tips to keep your business top of mind.
    Melissa Houston, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The result was about 70 pairs of irregular, jagged teeth.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 8 Oct. 2024
  • There are always twists, turns, and jagged edges on the road to happily ever after.
    Dana Feldman, Forbes, 18 Sep. 2024
Adjective
  • Under this new gallery model, Fitzpatrick will remain based in Paris and mount exhibitions at unconventional venues in Paris and around the world.
    Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 5 Nov. 2024
  • This novel design and other touches are the creations of General Motor's design team of five women, led by two who came to GM with unconventional backgrounds.
    Jamie L. LaReau, Detroit Free Press, 5 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near irregular

Cite this Entry

“Irregular.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/irregular. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

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