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Definition of irregularnext
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irregular

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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

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 agreement provides for boosting the number of officers deployed on the ground from 907 now to 1,392 for the 2026—2029 period, along with the creation of an additional police unit dedicated to combating irregular migration, funded by France, the French Interior Ministry said. ABC News, 23 Apr. 2026 The plan aims at increasing the number of officers deployed on the ground from 907 now to 1,392 for the 2026—2029 period, along with the creation of an additional police unit dedicated to combating irregular migration, funded by France, the French Interior Ministry said. Sylvie Corbet, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 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
  • What to Know About Breast Cancer in Dogs Breast cancers in dogs are often referred to as mammary tumors, which develop from abnormal replication of breast tissue cells, according to Atlantic Coast New York Veterinary Specialists.
    Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Cancer Cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow and multiply uncontrollably, forming tumors.
    Lindsay Curtis, Health, 28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Flows are narcoleptic, drums are sporadic, and melodies are soft enough to live in a dollhouse.
    Olivier Lafontant, Pitchfork, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Still, sporadic cross-border fighting had continued even while delegations from the two sides were attending the talks in Urumqi.
    ABC News, ABC News, 27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • And the uneven availability cost him a chance to fully adjust to his new role within the organization.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Heavy rain can wash away grass seed and cause uneven growth or bare spots in your lawn.
    Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • In the early 1980s, Murphy and a few associates ran an informal back channel between the United States and the Soviet Union.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 Apr. 2026
  • For households where one member frequently travels or serves in demanding roles, the app offers a way to pass along knowledge that might otherwise remain informal.
    Malana VanTyler, USA Today, 29 Apr. 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
  • Authorities said Topo had ties to a dissident faction of Colombia's FARC guerillas and was wanted by a New York court.
    CBS News, CBS News, 23 Apr. 2026
  • Advertisement Hezbollah maintained guerrilla-style warfare against Israel throughout the occupation of southern Lebanon up until 2000, when Israel withdrew from the country.
    Callum Sutherland, Time, 10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • When choosing soaps to deter deer, gardeners often have success with deodorant soaps that have an unnatural and strong scent, such as Irish Spring, Ivory, Coast, and Dial.
    SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Both look awkward and unnatural.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • According to the National Weather Service in Fort Worth/Dallas, showers and occasional storms will mainly affect Central Texas and the western portions of North Texas on Thursday, April 30.
    Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026
  • However, dark chocolate is high in sugar and calories, so it should be eaten in moderation as an occasional treat.
    Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 29 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Irregular.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/irregular. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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