aberrant
3 synonyms for aberrant, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Differing from what is normal or expected; deviating from the usual pattern.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use aberrant
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
aberrant behavior
aberrant cell growth
aberrant results
Fairly formal; common in scientific, medical, and psychological writing.
Etymology
From Latin aberrans, "wandering away," from ab- ("away") + errare ("to wander") — the same root as "err" and "error."
Full origin of aberrant →Frequently asked questions
What does “aberrant” mean?
The word “aberrant” means differing from what is normal or expected; deviating from the usual pattern. In plain terms, not normal — straying noticeably from the typical or expected pattern.
How do you pronounce “aberrant”?
“Aberrant” is pronounced uh-BEHR-uhnt (/əˈbɛɹ.ənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “aberrant” in a sentence?
Here is “aberrant” used in a sentence: “The scientists noted aberrant behavior in mice exposed to the chemical.”
What is another word for “aberrant”?
Words with a similar meaning to “aberrant” include freak.
What part of speech is “aberrant”?
“Aberrant” is an adjective.
Where does the word “aberrant” come from?
The word “aberrant” comes from Latin. From Latin aberrans, "wandering away," from ab- ("away") + errare ("to wander") — the same root as "err" and "error.".
