What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
outlier
Example
The outlier in the data set skewed the results. [outlier: noun]
Example
She was an outlier in her family, pursuing a career in art instead of medicine. [outlier: noun]
anomaly
Example
The sudden drop in temperature was an anomaly for this time of year. [anomaly: noun]
Example
Her behavior was an anomaly compared to her usual calm demeanor. [anomaly: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Outlier is more common in technical or scientific contexts, while anomaly is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between outlier and anomaly?
Both outlier and anomaly are formal words that are typically used in academic or technical writing.
