Definition of anomalousnext
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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 The 162 files consist of documents, photos and videos that detail government employee reports of anomalous aircraft. Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 3 June 2026 Least privilege must extend across hybrid and multicloud estates; just-in-time access must replace standing privileges; secrets must be vaulted, rotated and monitored; and behavioral analytics must detect anomalous use regardless of the originating IP address or country of operation. Morey Haber, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026 Milan’s 4-0 thumping of Barcelona in 1994 was anomalous compared with the rest of their European campaign that season, but their defensive foundations were strong — with half of their six group games finishing 0-0. Mark Carey, New York Times, 29 May 2026 This is a highly anomalous storm for a number of reasons. Terry Eliasen, CBS News, 28 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for anomalous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anomalous
Adjective
  • What Trump is doing is unusual.
    Dana Taylor, USA Today, 26 June 2026
  • Heat domes are not unusual, but the temperatures in this one have been.
    Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • Haney reminded jurors that despising the rich isn’t a crime, much less an abnormal opinion.
    Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2026
  • Others develop dangerous fluctuations in blood pressure and abnormal heart rhythms because the autonomic nervous system becomes affected.
    Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 23 June 2026
Adjective
  • Our work complements beautifully the extraordinary work that has already been done by the producers, sales agents and distributors of Mike Leigh’s films over the years.
    Leo Barraclough, Variety, 22 June 2026
  • The Vietnam War was fought by young Americans thrust into extraordinary circumstances.
    Gary MacNamara, Hartford Courant, 22 June 2026
Adjective
  • Even after extensive engineering, Coach Eve would take about three seconds to reply to a question—a delay users felt was uncomfortable and unnatural.
    Benjamin Wolff, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
  • His speech was an unnatural blur.
    Paige Williams, New Yorker, 22 June 2026
Adjective
  • To start, Lendeborg is an exceptional passer who can run point from the forward position.
    Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 24 June 2026
  • Collectors are competing for works with scarcity, exceptional provenance, and a clear place in art history.
    George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • Explore unique crafts, goods and gifts from over 15 local vendors.
    Lesly Gregory, AJC.com, 1 July 2026
  • And cadets were on the hunt for unique pieces to add to their collections.
    Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 1 July 2026
Adjective
  • Ireland Ireland offers a rare cross-generational appeal, where estate activities and rugged landscapes make for an ideal family itinerary.
    Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • Thieves stole $25,000 worth of rare Pokémon cards after breaking into an Eagan, Minnesota, claw machine arcade last weekend, employees said.
    Jason Rantala, CBS News, 1 July 2026
Adjective
  • Food also figured into other odd roadway incidents.
    Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 23 June 2026
  • Maternal Instinct lays out how Parker moved from a web of odd, though ultimately harmless lies about the fake pregnancy to killing her pregnant friend (Simmons-Hancock), and abducting her unborn fetus to present to her then-boyfriend, Wade Griffin, as their own.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 23 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Anomalous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anomalous. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.

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