odd

adjective

ˈäd How to pronounce odd (audio)
Definition of oddnext
1
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

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2
as in strange
different from the ordinary in a way that causes curiosity or suspicion odd behavior that prompted one of the waiting passengers to alert airport security

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3
as in unusual
being out of the ordinary the only odd grade for the exam was the one perfect score

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4
as in uncommon
noticeably different from what is generally found or experienced the odd occurrences in the area attracted the attention of people interested in psychic phenomena

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5
as in occasional
not often occurring or repeated with the exception of the odd sick day, he never takes time off from work

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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 Trust Your Significant Other From the odd pairing of Winston and Rhonda to the absurdity of Fawn Moscato and her political agendas, the sitcom never failed to weave in amusing relationships. —Isabella Milano, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Apr. 2025 This odd editing style by Ben Baudhuin works in tandem with the beauty of the cinematography by Marc Spicer. —Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 11 Apr. 2025 The market reaction was an odd coincidence. —Steven Greenhut, Oc Register, 11 Apr. 2025 His taxidermy even included the odd woodpecker, parrot, and penguin. —Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 10 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for odd
Recent Examples of Synonyms for odd
  1. single
  2. strange
  3. unusual
  4. uncommon
  5. occasional
  6. only
  7. bizarre
  8. extraordinary
Adjective
  • The singer-songwriter first announced the single in January 2024 with an audio excerpt posted on Instagram.
    — Abigail Lee, Variety, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Without a single source of truth, organizations struggle to make informed decisions, manage costs or build resilience in the face of unpredictability.
    — Sarah Jones, Sourcing Journal, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of single
Adjective
  • These stores typically feature eclectic collections of oddities, collectibles, curiosities, and decorative items that appeal to collectors and enthusiasts of the strange and unique.
    — Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Apr. 2025
  • If some readers were befuddled by Mr. Holland’s strange and magical imagery, graphic artists were entranced.
    — Penelope Green, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025
Definition of strange
Adjective
  • Separately, just days before the start date, Read made the unusual move of adding an alternate juror from her first trial to her legal team, according to media reports citing court records.
    — Rachel Treisman, NPR, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Read More | McClatchy News continues to follow the discovery of the most unusual and intriguing new species.
    — Stories by Real-Time news team, with AI summarization, Miami Herald, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of unusual
Adjective
  • Addressed an issue where all horse saddles were uncommon.
    — Oliver Brandt, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025
  • To be fair, government tech projects are complicated, and overruns aren’t uncommon.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of uncommon
Adjective
  • The house that the Americans strategically position themselves in is home to two families; there are occasional insert shots of family photos and trinkets, and at several points these families are shown cowering, terrified by what’s happening around them.
    — Paul A. Thompson, Pitchfork, 17 Apr. 2025
  • In general, bigleaf hydrangeas require little pruning, save for occasional shaping and thinning.
    — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 16 Apr. 2025
Definition of occasional
Adjective
  • This is especially true when tourism is the primary—or in some cases the only—economic driver.
    — Shoshi Parks, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Beyond vaccines and immunization Even from its earliest days, vaccine-preventable and infectious diseases were far from the Epidemic Intelligence Service’s only focus.
    — Casey Luc, The Conversation, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of only
Adjective
  • Continue reading … 'THIS IS SO CRAZY' – DOGE reveals bizarre findings of unemployment insurance claims.
    — FOXNews.com, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The responses ranged from mildly annoying to outright bizarre, highlighting just how many ways tension can brew between property lines.
    — David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Apr. 2025
Definition of bizarre
Adjective
  • Harvard University President Alan Garber released an open letter today that provided an exceptional example of leadership integrity when faced with extraordinary external pressure.
    — Dan Pontefract, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • This extraordinary group rallied together for a single glorious vision: to win four straight playoff games against the finest teams in college football.
    — Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of extraordinary

Phrases Containing odd

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odalisques
odd
oddball
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Cite this Entry

“Odd.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/odd. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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