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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

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
Flipping your part while drying or lightly tonging just a few pieces will create a slightly irregular finish that makes the look feel lived-in. Dominic Cadogan, Glamour, 18 May 2025 Athletes and Entertainers High-earning individuals in sports and entertainment face a unique set of financial challenges: irregular income, short career spans, and the ever-present risk of financial mismanagement. Jason Katz, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025
Noun
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 Pakistani irregulars invaded, India intervened, and the two countries fought to a stalemate. Washington Post, 15 Feb. 2019 See All Example Sentences for irregular
Recent Examples of Synonyms for irregular
Adjective
  • Storm surge is defined by the National Hurricane Center as an abnormal rise of water generated by a storm.
    Mallory Nicholls, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 May 2025
  • One or more other symptoms like abnormal eye movements (nystagmus), vomiting, paleness, or fearfulness are also present.
    Colleen Doherty, Verywell Health, 26 May 2025
Adjective
  • Unfortunately, those days are more sporadic and like Hernandez, resembles little to the player who dragged Milan over the line three years ago to steal an unlikely league title.
    Emmet Gates, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
  • Those moments have grown more sporadic in recent months, with Watkins no longer looked to as Villa’s key source of goals.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 12 May 2025
Adjective
  • Bread crumbs • Props to the hair, makeup, and costuming departments for differentiating Kiki’s Simone from pre-Michaela Simone, who showed up to the island with a scraggly ponytail, a gray button-down, uneven skin, and scrawled tattoos.
    Caroline Framke, Vulture, 23 May 2025
  • Case for caution: On the flip side, skeptics point to the uneven performances, particularly internationally, and concerns about his hockey sense.
    Corey Pronman, New York Times, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • Though there was no official vote, an informal vote revealed the teams were split 16-16 on the matter, according to an individual in the room during deliberations.
    Tess DeMeyer, New York Times, 19 May 2025
  • Employees who join a startup often thrive in fast-moving, informal environments, so when the company begins to scale, there’s often a fear of losing that agility.
    Lyuba Brouillard, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
Adjective
  • While there are certainly products that can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and needs, hair products are often created with specific consumers in mind.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 18 May 2025
  • For her, the idea of being surrounded by people, especially while grieving, felt overwhelming and unnatural.
    Ashley Vega, People.com, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • Others that have a small selling history and only a handful of items for sale at a time tend to be occasional sellers and wardrobe clearers.
    Benjamin Voyer, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
  • The only thing that could get between attendees and their snacks was the occasional free beer or run-in with a mascot.
    Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • The thunder rolled and lightning danced among the jagged peaks as a summer rainstorm soaked the alpine meadows of California’s Sierra Nevada.
    Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 May 2025
  • In addition to more glaciers (circa 300) than any other national park in the Lower 48 states, North Cascades boasts dozens of jagged snowy peaks, wild rivers, tranquil lakes, and among the highest biodiversity of any U.S. park.
    Joe Yogerst, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
Adjective
  • Consider a colleague who presented unconventional ideas in meetings or pursued a less traditional career path.
    Glenn Llopis, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
  • Featured prominently on many critics’ best-of-year lists, the book has captivated readers around the world, sparking a cultural dialogue around female desire, aging and unconventional relationships.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 23 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Irregular.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/irregular. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.

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