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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 His advice for the incoming rookie class might seem peculiar, but it’s based on his reality, which has led to numerous accolades, including being the Panthers’ 2024 Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee. Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 8 May 2025 In 1923, the dentist trekked across the Rocky Mountains to Oakley, a small town in southern Idaho, to meet with parents who had noticed the peculiar brown stains on their children’s teeth, the CDC says. Angela Palermo, Idaho Statesman, 12 May 2025 Giving a killer robot killer cheekbones and killer abs, but repeatedly showing us his Ken doll-style absence of genitals, becomes a peculiar piece of world-building that even supplemental dialogue can’t fix. Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 12 May 2025 Arteta’s mystery French sources, stings and roundabouts Sunderland, Coventry, Bristol City: Half a century on a peculiar grudge lingers Based in North West England, Matt Slater is a senior football news reporter for The Athletic UK. Matt Slater, New York Times, 11 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for peculiar
Recent Examples of Synonyms for peculiar
Adjective
  • Listen to this article The Rent Guidelines Board lowered the range of potential rent increases for some 2 million New Yorkers in an unusual redo vote Tuesday — a move that comes as the issue of freezing rents has taken center stage in the contentious mayoral race.
    Téa Kvetenadze, New York Daily News, 27 May 2025
  • But the boys also casually tell stories about the deprivations of their previous life, a reminder of how unusual their childhoods have been by American standards.
    Sacha Pfeiffer, NPR, 27 May 2025
Adjective
  • After coming to the Mets at the trade deadline, Blackburn had a serious of strange injuries, getting hit by a line drive on his hand, and then suffering from a spinal fluid leak that required surgery.
    Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 3 June 2025
  • The strange turn of events surrounding Barrett’s disqualification marred what had been a feel-good story.
    Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 2 June 2025
Adjective
  • Acqui-hires are not uncommon in a competitive tech hiring environment.
    Geri Stengel, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
  • SNRs aren't uncommon, but this particular example showcases numerous anomalies, including its astonishingly round shape.
    Stefanie Waldek, Space.com, 29 May 2025
Adjective
  • Some boats are large enough to carry personal kayaks and camping equipment.
    Joe Yogerst, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
  • Also, having everything taken away in my own personal life.
    Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 May 2025
Adjective
  • The animal has a long tail and distinctive tufts of soft hair.
    Erin Clack, People.com, 1 June 2025
  • Their selection always includes highly sophisticated and distinctive films that have broadened my cinematic horizons.
    Leo Barraclough, Variety, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • As for most stateside enthusiasts, there’s one specific contest in the event’s 92 editions that stands above all others—the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans, when the Blue Oval prevailed over the Prancing Horse with a podium sweep immortalized in Hollywood’s 2019 blockbuster Ford v Ferrari.
    Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 2 June 2025
  • When tackling a recipe together, decide what steps would be easy for your child to do and assign them specific tasks to prevent everyone from getting overwhelmed.
    Liz Regalia, Parents, 2 June 2025
Adjective
  • According to the guide, restaurants have to be consistently extraordinary to garner three stars.
    Tulasi Srinivas, The Conversation, 3 June 2025
  • Davidson’s interior journey through grief is as extraordinary as the outer trek — both guide her towards thriving in an uncomfortable landscape.
    Bridget Crocker, People.com, 3 June 2025
Adjective
  • Joining me is my Staten Island brother, Pete Davidson, who unveils a darker, dramatic side as his character navigates a bizarre group of residents in an old age home.
    Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 29 May 2025
  • But inexplicably, Villa contrived to lose the game, thanks in no small part to goalkeeper Emi Martinez’s sending off in the first half for a bizarre body-check on Rasmus Hojlund.
    Zak Garner-Purkis, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Peculiar.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/peculiar. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

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