irregular 1 of 2

Definition of irregularnext
1
2
3
4
5

irregular

2 of 2

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

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

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 irregular
Adjective
Particles in this time crystal move in an irregular, nonreciprocal manner, opening new possibilities for technology and industry. Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 23 Mar. 2026 Extremely high doses can lead to irregular heartbeats or even cause the heart to stop altogether, according to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Theara Coleman, TheWeek, 23 Mar. 2026
Noun
As volunteer companies were raised to drive out the Mexican forces — who were occupying their own country — some of the irregulars were joined by free black men. Paula Allen, ExpressNews.com, 15 Feb. 2020 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 See All Example Sentences for irregular
Recent Examples of Synonyms for irregular
Adjective
  • The beginning of a new month signaled the end of abnormal March weather.
    Julie Mendes, AZCentral.com, 1 Apr. 2026
  • This month, the zoo announced Tina was suffering from an infection and abnormal buildup of fluid in her uterus.
    Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The data points to a genuine enhancement in the sporadic fireball background at the large-object end of the size distribution.
    Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026
  • The two sides have engaged in sporadic retaliatory aerial attacks in recent years, though the fighting between them had largely simmered down in recent months.
    Mike Brest, The Washington Examiner, 30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Accessibility Due to Lupaia’s location on a steep hilltop with gravel pathways and naturally uneven grounds at various levels, this resort is not wheelchair accessible.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Apr. 2026
  • The truth is that the track record for Olympic host cities is pretty uneven.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Food and drink Head to Cugino for breakfast or an informal lunch.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Through performances, activations, and informal exchanges, visitors are invited to share personal stories that become part of an evolving audio component.
    Olga Garcia-Mayoral, Miami Herald, 31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • In some studies, gloves not changed between tasks had higher bacterial counts and could transfer germs just as easily as ungloved hands, underscoring the need for frequent changing and proper hand hygiene.
    Evan Moore December 19, Charlotte Observer, 19 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • Hezbollah, established that year, waged a guerrilla campaign that eventually ended the Israeli occupation in 2000.
    ABC News, ABC News, 26 Mar. 2026
  • Repression in this small northern province had been especially fierce, as guerrilla groups had controlled large parts of the territory before the coup.
    Débora Rey, Los Angeles Times, 24 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • As his band’s popularity and star power rise, so does Lestat’s influence over vampires and humans alike, leaving others to contend with Lestat’s power in the face of the Great Conversion, an unnatural surge in the vampire population.
    Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 27 Mar. 2026
  • 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.
    Lily Wohlner, Allure, 18 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • At a moment when our attention is fractured across phones, feeds, and tabs, the gap between occasional readers and obsessive ones has never felt wider.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Wild temperature swings and occasional chances of rain remain in the forecast through the rest of the week.
    Cutter Martin, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Irregular.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/irregular. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on irregular

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster