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Showing results for atypical. Search instead for surpass typical.
Synonyms

atypical

American  
[ey-tip-i-kuhl] / eɪˈtɪp ɪ kəl /
Also atypic

adjective

  1. not typical; not conforming to the type; irregular; abnormal.

    atypical behavior; a flower atypical of the species.


atypical British  
/ eɪˈtɪpɪkəl /

adjective

  1. not typical; deviating from or not conforming to type

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Usage

What does atypical mean? Atypical is used to describe something that does not conform to the norm or that is irregular, such as an atypical behavior or an atypical action.Something that is atypical differs in a noticeable way from other items of its kind. An atypical flower might be a flower that glows in the dark (if you discover one, let us know!). An atypical horror film could be one in which the monster tries to be friends with everyone rather than kill them.Example: These fixtures are atypical of our usual products.

Other Word Forms

  • atypicality noun
  • atypically adverb

Etymology

Origin of atypical

First recorded in 1880–85; a- 6 + typical

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Yet one magnetic painting is atypical of that first stay in the Taos area: a striking ponderosa pine.

From The Wall Street Journal

As he starts to see Cactus League action, Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts reflects on where he’s at mentally as he looks to rebound from an atypical season for him.

From Los Angeles Times

Naturally, the pool of films shortlisted for the 2021 Oscars looked much different than it otherwise might have, making that year’s nominees both thrillingly diverse and completely atypical.

From Salon

Oftentimes, these atypical acquiring editors grew their online book communities for several years before landing at Bindery.

From Los Angeles Times

Importantly, lower activity in these regions could predict whether a child had typical or atypical math abilities.

From Science Daily