Definition of oddnext
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as in single
being one of a pair or set without a corresponding mate somehow, there's always at least one odd sock that comes out of the dryer

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word odd distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of odd are eccentric, erratic, outlandish, peculiar, quaint, singular, strange, and unique. While all these words mean "departing from what is ordinary, usual, or to be expected," odd applies to a departure from the regular or expected.

an odd sense of humor

When can eccentric be used instead of odd?

The words eccentric and odd can be used in similar contexts, but eccentric suggests a wide divergence from the usual or normal especially in behavior.

the eccentric eating habits of preschoolers

When would erratic be a good substitute for odd?

While the synonyms erratic and odd are close in meaning, erratic stresses a capricious and unpredictable wandering or deviating.

a friend's suddenly erratic behavior

When is it sensible to use outlandish instead of odd?

In some situations, the words outlandish and odd are roughly equivalent. However, outlandish applies to what is uncouth, bizarre, or barbaric.

outlandish fashions of the time

When is peculiar a more appropriate choice than odd?

While in some cases nearly identical to odd, peculiar implies a marked distinctiveness.

the peculiar status of America's first lady

When might quaint be a better fit than odd?

Although the words quaint and odd have much in common, quaint suggests an old-fashioned but pleasant oddness.

a quaint fishing village

Where would singular be a reasonable alternative to odd?

The meanings of singular and odd largely overlap; however, singular suggests individuality or puzzling strangeness.

a singular feeling of impending disaster

In what contexts can strange take the place of odd?

The words strange and odd are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, strange stresses unfamiliarity and may apply to the foreign, the unnatural, the unaccountable.

a journey filled with strange sights

When could unique be used to replace odd?

The synonyms unique and odd are sometimes interchangeable, but unique implies singularity and the fact of being without a known parallel.

a career unique in the annals of science

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 odd The question was a bit strange, as the idea of being encouraged after a third straight loss to the same opponent would be unique, but the question wasn't nearly as odd as the answer Osaka proceeded to give. Mark Harris, FOXNews.com, 2 June 2026 The Yellow Submarine series traces back to one of the oddest chapters in modern Scotch whisky history. Emily Price, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026 Whatever the reason, Goodman’s omission was an odd move for a professional astrologer. Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 1 June 2026 As part of the push by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency to shrink the government, the ATF offered early retirement to many of its 800-odd inspectors. Alec MacGillis, ProPublica, 1 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for odd
Recent Examples of Synonyms for odd
Adjective
  • Play/Pause Button 50 States, 50 People Meet the people behind iconic travel experiences in every single US state.
    Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 June 2026
  • Carolina scored those three goals in 39 seconds, the fastest three goals by a single team in Stanley Cup Final history, making what looked like a no-doubt Vegas win into a game once again.
    Matt Reigle, FOXNews.com, 7 June 2026
Adjective
  • The author could herself be considered predatorial, having written her own children in as the books’ protagonists, saddling them with a strange kind of fame.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 June 2026
  • This strange occurrence echoes what happened at the top of the dot-com bubble 26 years ago.
    Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 2 June 2026
Adjective
  • Since arriving at the zoo, the buffalo has attracted large crowds and sparked debate over its unusual nickname.
    Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 4 June 2026
  • What’s unusual is to see these elements presented so grandly on a stage as big as The Bushnell’s and presented in a manner that doesn’t compromise a dark tale of anger, revenge, dangerous romance, desperation and survival.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 4 June 2026
Adjective
  • What customers increasingly dislike, Parmelee said, are screens that put pressure on customers to tip in situations in which gratuities were once optional or uncommon.
    Peter Burke, FOXNews.com, 6 June 2026
  • When questioning is uncommon, early warnings are easy to overlook.
    Nisha Narayanan, STAT, 5 June 2026
Adjective
  • Despite the occasional presence of industry executives eager to share new product, the atmosphere is anything but corporate.
    Jayson Buford, Robb Report, 4 June 2026
  • Our tester, who has combination skin with occasional eczema, noted that the silky, gel-cream texture felt lightweight, but the cream was still deeply moisturizing.
    Jenny Berg, InStyle, 4 June 2026
Adjective
  • Her dad, Captain Jack (Edward James Olmos), the airline’s founder, is one of her only champions until Daniel shows up.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 5 June 2026
  • Their only inheritance is a legacy of two-bit crime that inspires them to run increasingly audacious frauds.
    Joe Otterson, Variety, 4 June 2026
Adjective
  • That’s just a really bizarre back and forth to exist in.
    Hanif Abdurraqib, New Yorker, 31 May 2026
  • As the story builds toward a violent showdown between the mourners and the town, the reader will be entranced by its surreal language and bizarre logic.
    Gabrielle Bellot, Literary Hub, 29 May 2026
Adjective
  • Dylan’s custom Fender Stratocaster reflects both his extraordinary creativity and the pioneering spirit of the American guitar maker.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 1 June 2026
  • Are Henry James’s heroines, surely among the most extraordinary female characters in literary history, really one-dimensional idols?
    Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 1 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Odd.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/odd. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.

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