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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

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
The club’s £40million record signing from Leeds United last summer has been an irregular starter recently. Andy Naylor, The Athletic, 9 Feb. 2025 Punt the excess alcohol Although beer and football might seem as American as apple pie, alcohol can increase the risk for high blood pressure, irregular heart rhythms, obesity, stroke and more. Michael Merschel/ American Heart Association News, Boston Herald, 9 Feb. 2025
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
  • Amyloidosis is a rare disease where bone marrow produces an abnormal protein called amyloid, according to the University of Kansas Cancer Center.
    PJ Green, Kansas City Star, 5 Feb. 2025
  • In darker skin tones, abnormal paleness may be easier to detect in the inner mouth and lining of the eyes.5 4.
    Isabel Vasquez RD LDN, Health, 4 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • FRBs are sporadic, intense flashes of radio wave energy that can be brighter than entire galaxies.
    John Loeffler, Space.com, 7 Feb. 2025
  • Broader and border disputes Not only have different interest groups and political actors used maps of the region to put forth competing geopolitical claims, but maps have also played a central role in sporadic efforts to establish peace in the region.
    Christine Leuenberger, The Conversation, 7 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • From an uneven college career to constantly being doubted in the league, Hurts has had to silence haters with his wins and believe in himself when others didn’t.
    Kathleen Newman-Bremang, refinery29.com, 10 Feb. 2025
  • And the uneven division of the Keith and Vera plotlines makes Köln 75 a movie without a narrative center.
    David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Her informal show-and-tell presentation came at a time when Super Bowl tickets had ballooned past $100 per seat.
    Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 8 Feb. 2025
  • Zoom in: The question of whether to form a formal Jewish Caucus has been a point of contention for years among Jewish lawmakers, who have often met as an informal Jewish members' working group.
    Andrew Solender, Axios, 6 Feb. 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, 16 Feb. 2025
  • And yet all of the actors must plow through dialogue that is bracingly unnatural.
    Esther Zuckerman, IndieWire, 27 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • For those on a budget For those who drink coffee all day For espresso lovers Coffee pot alternatives For those on a budget Amazon Basic 5-cup coffee pot: $19.99 (Amazon ) The Amazon Basic five-cup coffee pot is a no-frills, ultra-affordable coffee pot, ideal for the occasional coffee drinker.
    Christopher Murray, Fox News, 15 Feb. 2025
  • Amy regularly visits, taking her grandpa out for lunch or the occasional beer.
    Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 15 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Sea oats and fir trees dance in the breeze as seagulls squawk in a bright blue sky and the mighty Pacific crashes against the jagged shoreline a few dozen yards away.
    Blane Bachelor, AFAR Media, 12 Feb. 2025
  • The neck’s jagged base suggests that the head was torn from a larger, perhaps full-length figure, but the sculpture reveals almost no other significant damage.
    Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Two of this year’s contenders hope to chart an unconventional path.
    Kyle Buchanan, New York Times, 12 Feb. 2025
  • While some praised his unconventional love life, many were far from impressed.
    Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 11 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near irregular

Cite this Entry

“Irregular.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/irregular. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

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