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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 Las Vegas Raiders have had kind of an odd offseason. Matthew Schmidt, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Aug. 2025 The romances between the two couples also feel very rushed, which is odd. Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2025 Sometimes an oven is like that mysterious black box on a magician's stage where odd things go in, and something far more delightful comes out. Sheri Castle, Southern Living, 7 Aug. 2025 The first thing that edged out of this woodwork is the odd confluence of these pitches. Laura Washington, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for odd
Recent Examples of Synonyms for odd
Adjective
  • Lee's first school choice initiative, Education Savings Accounts, passed by a single vote in 2019.
    Melissa Brown, The Tennessean, 21 Aug. 2025
  • While Cs-137 was only detected in a single shipment thus far, that does not mean other products made by the same manufacturer are not impacted.
    Cheryl V. Jackson, IndyStar, 21 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The craft beer industry is in a strange place right now.
    Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
  • What begins as a strange ritual quickly unravels into a waking nightmare.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Although unusual, this display is likely not going to be as strong as 2024’s extreme G5 geomagnetic storms, the most powerful for two decades.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025
  • While the sight might not have been unusual a few weeks prior, Garcia's neighbors had notably packed up and moved out several days earlier, leaving the property completely empty, aside from the mysterious brown dog.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 30 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • While rainbow snakes are not venomous, snake bites are not uncommon in the United States, with approximately 7,000 to 8,000 people bitten by venomous snakes across the country annually, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
    Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 23 Aug. 2025
  • This dog's choice of eating grass over running at the park isn't uncommon, but the reason still remains unclear, with several theories floating around, according to an article from PetMD.
    Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Engaging in occasional freelance projects or volunteering can also keep you active in the field.
    Johnny C. Taylor Jr, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2025
  • The Netflix Original involves many different treasure hunts, is a lot more risky, involves a couple of villains, but still has the occasional love triangle.
    Dina Kaur, AZCentral.com, 27 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Now, the Nissan Altima is the brand's only midsize sedan.
    Charles Singh, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2025
  • Marshall at Georgia The only previous meeting between the Thundering Herd and Bulldogs was 2004 when the latter prevailed at home, 13-3.
    Tom Layberger, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The indictment of Adams’ former top advisor came a day after another member of Adams’ inner circle became embroiled in a bizarre apparent bribery attempt involving a news reporter.
    Gloria Pazmino, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2025
  • It has been stuck in development hell for almost five years now, with barely any clarity on what the game is, since its mysterious and bizarre reveal trailer at the PS5 Showcase in June 2020.
    Echo Apsey, Space.com, 20 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The choice is whether to exhaust yourself trying to conduct every note or to lay down a rhythm that enables your entire team to create something extraordinary together.
    Michael Hudson, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Shooting for the stars and achieving the extraordinary is nothing new for elite athletes who reach the pinnacle of any sport.
    Andrew Rice, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Odd.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/odd. Accessed 4 Sep. 2025.

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