ANOMALOUS Synonyms: 96 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

anomalous

adjective

ə-ˈnä-mə-ləs

Definition of anomalous

as in unusual

being out of the ordinary that was an anomalous year for the housing industry, so the number of starts is anything but typical

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in abnormal

departing from some accepted standard of what is normal an anomalous burst of anger from this usually easygoing person

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 So there's an anomalous absence of professional baseball from the Orlando market. — Matt Reigle Outkick, FOXNews.com, 12 Aug. 2026 In 1870 Bloomsburg received its anomalous status as Pennsylvania’s only official town. — Scott Spires, Encyclopedia Britannica, 10 Aug. 2026 The surface of the tropical Pacific transforms from a cool spot into a massive pool of anomalous warmth thousands of miles across. — Sean MacAday, Sacbee.com, 6 Aug. 2026 There are also weird anomalous results, like the RTX 5050 holding a commanding lead in Doom Dark Ages at Medium 1080p, but the RX 9050 being just as capable at 1440p. — Jon Martindale, PC Magazine, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for anomalous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for anomalous

Adjective

Six months after Vincent’s suicide, Theo died from the ravages of syphilis, leaving Jo a young widow with a baby to support, not much money, and an unusual inheritance—Vincent’s paintings—more than 400 in total.

— Joan Martelli, Time, 17 Oct. 2026
While his neighbors weren’t alarmed enough by the unusual sight to call security, Abrams wasn’t as lucky during filming at Radford Studios in Studio City.

— Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of unusual

Adjective

According to MedlinePlus, normal pressure hydrocephalus is an abnormal or excessive buildup of cerebrospinal fluid around the brain, which can impact brain function, cause walking or gait changes, or incontinence.

— ABC News, ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026
About one in 10 screening mammograms come back abnormal, but roughly 90% of those findings turn out to be benign.

— Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of abnormal

Adjective

View gallery - 4 images For all the extraordinary things that consumer 3D printers can produce, changing color has remained a surprisingly messy business.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 Oct. 2026
Explore its waterfalls, glaciers and volcanic landscapes, and treat any aurora sightings as an extraordinary bonus.

— Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of extraordinary

Adjective

Some movements feel unnatural, facial expressions are exaggerated, and small details occasionally fall into the uncanny valley or break rules of logical consistency.

— Britta Miller, The Washington Examiner, 14 Oct. 2026
But closer examination reveals that OpenAI’s proof builds its unnatural force in a totally distinct way.

— Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of unnatural

Adjective

When machines can instantly replicate the average, the only true moat is the exceptional.

— Matt Alt, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
The Brewers have an exceptional amount of talent too, and Murphy's routine of pretending like his team is a bunch of humble farmers who were playing stickball out back a few days ago is absurd and offensive.

— Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of exceptional

Adjective

But only United States has this unique intelligence to say, to tell us, to tell our side when Russia uses ballistic missiles.

— NBC news, NBC news, 18 Oct. 2026
Revamping a historic building with unique architecture has posed some difficulties, said Karademas.

— Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of unique

Adjective

In a recent rare interview with chum Matthew McConaughey, Bryan suggested that his songwriting-and-touring tear since leaving the Navy may be coming to a close soon.

— Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 20 Oct. 2026
But these mergers are far too rare to explain the abundance of heavier elements in the universe.

— Robin George Andrews, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of rare

Adjective

And this isn’t even to mention the especially odd idea of an acting nomination coming from a documentary, no matter how many recreations there are in it.

— Jackson Murphy, IndieWire, 15 Oct. 2026
In other cases, the warriors look unrecognizable, and more like odd scribbles.

— Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of odd

Browse Nearby Words

anomalies

anomalous

anomalously

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“Anomalous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anomalous. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of anomalous

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