anomaly

noun

ə-ˈnä-mə-lē How to pronounce anomaly (audio)
Definition of anomalynext
1
as in exception
something that is different from what is ordinary or expected her C grade is an anomaly, as she's never made anything except A's and B's before

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2
as in abnormality
a person, thing, or event that is far from normal snow in July is an anomaly in most of the northern hemisphere

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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 anomaly When the fetus was diagnosed with a heart defect and other serious anomalies, the parents asked Kelley to terminate the pregnancy. — Naomi Cahn, The Conversation, 9 Oct. 2026 And then there is another measure, made official by the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration this year, that takes into account the relative temperature anomaly against the background of the warmer ocean from climate change. — Sean MacAday, Sacbee.com, 5 Oct. 2026 Powell is a 33-year-old, recent first-time All-Star, an anomaly of a player. — Joel Lorenzi, New York Times, 3 Oct. 2026 Statistical anomalies One month does not a trend make, and there is some reason to doubt the data. — David Goldman, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for anomaly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anomaly
  1. exception
  2. abnormality
  3. rarity
  4. mutation
  5. monster
  6. freak
Noun
  • Soft Stonewashed Sheets Sijo LuxeWeave Linen Sheet Set Linen sheets aren’t usually known for being soft, but these are an exception.
    — Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Airbnb said exceptions may apply in certain circumstances, such as requiring guests to put trash in animal-proof containers in areas with bears.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of exception
Noun
  • Even abnormalities detected on an MRI are not necessarily unique to MS.
    — Bruce Bebo, STAT, 24 Oct. 2026
  • The virus may also cause congenital abnormalities in newborn calves.
    — Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of abnormality
Noun
  • Girls playing baseball and their moms coaching them was a rarity in the late 1990s.
    — Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Beyond its rarity, the book’s previous owner gave it an intriguing connection to Tolkien’s world.
    — Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of rarity
Noun
  • Random mutations and genetic exchange also shape which variants emerge.
    — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
  • These animals would be crowded together, each infection raising the odds that a new strain could arise through mutation.
    — Nat Lash, ProPublica, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of mutation
Noun
  • At last untethered from merely adapting a standard comfy passenger vehicle, the AMG engineers have created a monster.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Set on a mysterious island ravaged by floods and warring armies, a masked boy and girl must traverse atmospheric environments, rescue friends, and confront nightmarish monsters.
    — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of monster
Noun
  • Due to a freak accident, Stretch Dude (Bart) and Clobber Girl (Lisa) have superhuman abilities.
    — Joshua Kurp, Vulture, 26 Oct. 2026
  • To many people, freak accidents like these understandably look a little funny, even fantastical.
    — Marina Bolotnikova, Vox, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of freak

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anomalousness
anomaly
anon
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Cite this Entry

“Anomaly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anomaly. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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