Synonyms of anomalous

anomalous

adjective

ə-ˈnä-mə-ləs 

1

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

• unusual
• extraordinary
• exceptional
• abnormal
• unique
• rare
• odd
• uncommon
• outstanding
• remarkable
• singular
• atypical
• aberrant
• exceeding
• peculiar
• incredible
• phenomenal
• unwonted
• noticeable
• especial
• striking
• aberrated
• uncustomary
• freak
• notable
• conspicuous
• prominent
• preternatural
• salient
• bizarre
• eccentric
• strange
• deviant
• extraordinaire
• weird
• outlandish
• freakish
• inconceivable
• oddball
• incomprehensible
• quaint
• unthinkable
• unimaginable
• monstrous

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• normal
• ordinary
• common
• typical
• usual
• customary
• unexceptional
• unextraordinary
• familiar
• frequent
• everyday

2

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

• abnormal
• unnatural
• unusual
• irregular
• atypical
• uncommon
• aberrant
• deviant
• untypical
• extraordinary
• aberrational
• odd
• deviate
• devious
• bizarre
• eccentric
• strange
• weird
• unrepresentative
• peculiar
• rare
• remarkable
• unconventional
• curious
• funny
• idiosyncratic
• unwonted
• quirky
• outlandish
• freakish
• preternatural
• screwy
• wacky
• kinky
• out-of-the-way
• unorthodox
• quaint
• queer
• outré
• uncustomary
• nonconformist
• wild
• way-out
• far-out
• queerish

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• normal
• typical
• natural
• regular
• standard
• ordinary
• common
• familiar
• commonplace
• routine
• everyday
• usual
• unremarkable
• characteristic
• customary
• unexceptional
• average
• run-of-the-mill
• run-of-the-mine
• representative
• workaday
• archetypal
• wonted

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

Recent Examples of anomalous

While storms occasionally move through this region, this storm appears to be quite anomalous, with the chances for widespread flooding rains, haboobs -- or dust storms -- and severe weather, including brief tornadoes. —Daniel Manzo, ABC News, 24 Mar. 2026

The string theorists John Schwarz of Caltech and Michael Green of Queen Mary University of London calculated that in string theory, all the terms that threaten to be anomalous cancel out. —Quanta Magazine, 23 Mar. 2026

The anomalous floral prints of the spring 1999 show. —Rosie Jarman, Vogue, 16 Mar. 2026

What to read next High-energy geological event Morphological and geophysical surveys are important for the recognition of anomalous subsurface structural features, Koeberl said, which may be deeply eroded craters or impact structures entirely covered by post-impact sediments. —Leonard David, Space.com, 14 Mar. 2026