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Synonym Chooser

How is the word peculiar distinct from other similar adjectives?

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

the peculiar status of America's first lady

In what contexts can eccentric take the place of peculiar?

While in some cases nearly identical to peculiar, eccentric suggests a wide divergence from the usual or normal especially in behavior.

the eccentric eating habits of preschoolers

When could erratic be used to replace peculiar?

The words erratic and peculiar are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, erratic stresses a capricious and unpredictable wandering or deviating.

a friend's suddenly erratic behavior

When is odd a more appropriate choice than peculiar?

The synonyms odd and peculiar are sometimes interchangeable, but odd applies to a departure from the regular or expected.

an odd sense of humor

When would outlandish be a good substitute for peculiar?

The meanings of outlandish and peculiar largely overlap; however, outlandish applies to what is uncouth, bizarre, or barbaric.

outlandish fashions of the time

When is it sensible to use quaint instead of peculiar?

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

a quaint fishing village

Where would singular be a reasonable alternative to peculiar?

The words singular and peculiar can be used in similar contexts, but singular suggests individuality or puzzling strangeness.

a singular feeling of impending disaster

When can strange be used instead of peculiar?

In some situations, the words strange and peculiar are roughly equivalent. However, strange stresses unfamiliarity and may apply to the foreign, the unnatural, the unaccountable.

a journey filled with strange sights

When might unique be a better fit than peculiar?

While the synonyms unique and peculiar are close in meaning, 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 peculiar While Smith failed to take the Utes to the Big Dance, going 65-62 in almost four full seasons, the timing of this decision is definitely peculiar. Cj Moore, The Athletic, 25 Feb. 2025 Wayne Martin Belger’s photographs sometimes look like the product of time travel, or peculiar magic. Ted Scheinman, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Feb. 2025 This all started with peculiar decisions like bringing Adult Van into the picture. Erik Kain, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025 Set during the pandemic, with characters wearing facemasks and doing their best to social distance, the film has a peculiar, alienating feel that underscores each of the men’s eroding sense of self. Peter Debruge, Variety, 2 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for peculiar
Recent Examples of Synonyms for peculiar
Adjective
  • Network security also gets a significant upgrade with the help of AI. Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) powered by AI monitor traffic in real time, can flag unusual patterns that might indicate a security breach.
    Kathleen Walch, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025
  • As a result, Canadians have rejected American imports and issued other economic punishments in an unusual show of patriotism.
    Alex Harring, CNBC, 16 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • But a blinkered narrative coupled with misty-eyed aesthetic choices yield a strange and scattershot result.
    Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Mar. 2025
  • Yet even on the Right, setting policy based on birth rates might have seemed strange a few years ago, when the Republican Party was best known for its libertarian emphasis on free markets and economic growth.
    Haisten Willis, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 10 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Tornadoes were not uncommon at the time, as Missouri is often considered part of an area of the U.S. nicknamed Tornado Alley.
    Alex Gurley, People.com, 19 Mar. 2025
  • But, while the results might have given internet viewers a shock, these types of ultrasound pictures aren't uncommon.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 17 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The Human Factor The avalanche awareness community is all about focusing on personal biases, communication, and group dynamics.
    Ashley Thess, Outdoor Life, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Imagine a digital version of a personal sales associate who has known you for years and has a deep understanding of your preferences.
    Jonathan Nikols, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Scientists have observed few interactions of narwhals in their natural habitat, creating speculation about the purpose of the species’ distinctive spiraling tusk.
    Julianna Bragg, CNN, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Male sharks are also known to bite females during mating, leaving distinctive scars.
    Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • In addition to lifestyle adjustments, specific brain exercises may boost mental agility and improve focus and memory.
    Dominique Fluker, Essence, 10 Mar. 2025
  • The big picture: More broadly, Democrats also argued the measure leaves out specific instructions on spending and gives too much leeway to the Trump administration and Elon Musk.
    Peter Sullivan, Axios, 10 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Musk contributed nearly $300 million to elect Trump, but he and his businesses are primed to reap extraordinary profits from his actions as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
    Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 11 Mar. 2025
  • But the body itself has an extraordinary ability to heal.
    Tiziana Cardini, Vogue, 11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The esoteric will never sit completely comfortably in the mainstream, because that’s the point of it: to be unusual, bizarre, absurd.
    Eliza Goodpasture, ARTnews.com, 18 Mar. 2025
  • So many of the characters on this show speak with such bizarre, precise dialogue that can only make sense in the Severance world.
    Josh Wigler, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Peculiar.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/peculiar. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

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