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anomalous

adjective
anom·​a·​lous | \ ə-ˈnä-mə-ləs How to pronounce anomalous (audio) \

Definition of anomalous

1 : inconsistent with or deviating from what is usual, normal, or expected : irregular, unusual Researchers could not explain the anomalous test results.
2a : of uncertain nature or classification an anomalous figure in the world of politics
b : marked by incongruity or contradiction : paradoxical
Other Words from anomalous Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about anomalous

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Other Words from anomalous

anomalously adverb
anomalousness noun

Choose the Right Synonym for anomalous

irregular, anomalous, unnatural 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 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 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

Examples of anomalous in a Sentence

Researchers could not explain the anomalous test results. that was an anomalous year for the housing industry, so the number of starts is anything but typical

Recent Examples on the Web

 Being a worldwide lifestyle brand is an anomalous take on the human experience. — Jamie Lauren Keiles, Time, "'What Do People Want Me to Do? Wear Black Every Day?': How Child Star JoJo Siwa Built Her Sparkly Empire," 22 Aug. 2019 If the aesthetic qualities of Open Casket felt anomalous within Schutz’s oeuvre, its subject matter was also unusual. — Aaron Gilbreath, Longreads, "‘Open Casket’ and the Question of Empathy," 28 Mar. 2017 These include live telemetry that detect anomalous patterns, and an approach to permissions that focuses on application IDs rather than signals that may be losing relevance. — Polina Marinova, Fortune, "Who Would Dare to Compete With Silicon Valley Darling Brex?: Term Sheet," 9 Aug. 2019 Mapping data can then be run through software to detect anomalous undersea structures, like ship hulls, superstructures, and gun turrets, identifying possible wrecks. — Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, "Are We Entering a Golden Age of Shipwreck Discovery?," 1 Aug. 2019 The blame for this falls squarely at the feet of Nancy Pelosi, who for all intents and purposes, with respect to Donald Trump and co., is dead set on portraying the anomalous as much ado about nothing. — Michael Arceneaux, Essence, "Opinion: Will Nancy Pelosi Finally Do Something About Donald Trump’s Abuse Of Power?," 25 July 2019 Praetorius looked anomalous and gave a one-dimensional performance with stock gestures meant to show vengeful anger. — Robert Greskovic, WSJ, "‘The Bournonville Legacy’ Review: Excerpts From a Ballet Master," 11 July 2019 The result appears to confirm the anomalous results of a decades-old experiment that MiniBooNE was built specifically to double-check. — Quanta Magazine, "Evidence Found for a New Fundamental Particle," 1 June 2018 If Lelling’s claim sounds anomalous to you, no wonder. — Kevin Baker, Harper's magazine, "What We Do in the Shadows," 24 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'anomalous.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of anomalous

1655, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for anomalous

Late Latin anomalus, from Greek anōmalos, literally, uneven, from a- + homalos even, from homos same — more at same

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More Definitions for anomalous

anomalous

adjective
How to pronounce anomalous (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of anomalous

somewhat formal : not expected or usual

See the full definition for anomalous in the English Language Learners Dictionary

anomalous

adjective
anom·​a·​lous | \ ə-ˈnä-mə-ləs How to pronounce anomalous (audio) \

Kids Definition of anomalous

: not regular or usual anomalous test results

anomalous

adjective
anom·​a·​lous | \ ə-ˈnäm-ə-ləs How to pronounce anomalous (audio) \

Medical Definition of anomalous

: deviating from normal anomalous development anomalous pulmonary venous drainage — Physicians' Current Procedural Terminology specifically

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