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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 Jane’s accounts mirrored many of those provided by Ventura, such as Combs forcing her to sleep with a stranger on her birthday, dictating when and where men would ejaculate, and peculiar rituals involving escorts’ bodily fluids. Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 6 June 2025 In light of these unmissable headlines, to contemplate that the pope is a nonresident alien is a peculiar take. Robert Goulder, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025 During pregame stretch on Saturday night in Albuquerque, Jacob Melton saw something peculiar. Chandler Rome, New York Times, 2 June 2025 Arman would even decompose and rearrange the fragments of a cut-up Citroën DS himself in 1989, titling it with the peculiar term Schmilblick. Benjamin H. D. Buchloh, Artforum, 1 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for peculiar
Recent Examples of Synonyms for peculiar
Adjective
  • Is there a relationship between writing and fiction and unusual height?
    Jane Smiley June 20, Literary Hub, 20 June 2025
  • An unusual addition to a historic cityscape courtesy of artist Jason Jones.
    David Morgan, CBS News, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • The Dominican Republic had a moment of its own to celebrate in the 51st minute, though its first-ever Gold Cup goal came in strange circumstances.
    Jon Arnold, New York Times, 15 June 2025
  • New York seems to be working with the impression that Kidd won't be available, but stranger things have happened before.
    Matt Levine, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 June 2025
Adjective
  • Every great American story is sentimental in the same way: instincts born out of struggle, the triumph of the schoolyard over the classroom, uncommon creativity driven by necessity.
    Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 23 June 2025
  • That’s not an uncommon sight for K-pop superstars, as their massive followings understand how the charts work and focus their energy on pushing a title as high as possible in its first frame.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
Adjective
  • And don’t forget to inject your personal experiences and stories.
    Rachel Wells, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
  • Their personal relationship develops through professional milestones.
    Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 17 June 2025
Adjective
  • However, that distinctive green bottle of Curve with its gold lettering remains vivid in my mind’s eye, and its contents continue to tell his story.
    Stixx Mathews, Essence, 13 June 2025
  • There’s also an oasis-like 2,500-square-foot Sisley spa, with distinctive touches including a regenerative salt wall.
    Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 13 June 2025
Adjective
  • None of the companies had any comment on specific deals.
    Allison Lampert, USA Today, 14 June 2025
  • North American availability and pricing haven't been officially confirmed for this specific edition, but estimates based on potential importation suggest a possible starting point slightly over US $180,000.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 14 June 2025
Adjective
  • But Madigan’s extraordinary four days of testimony, in the end, weren’t enough.
    Ray Long, Chicago Tribune, 15 June 2025
  • This extraordinary high-altitude migration highlights the their unique physiological adaptations, offering valuable insight into how animals can evolve to overcome extreme environmental challenges.
    Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025
Adjective
  • While most players at the KPMG Women's PGA Championship are battling the Texas heat, slow play, and a demanding Fields Ranch East layout, Leona Maguire is dealing with something far more bizarre—tick bites!
    Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 June 2025
  • The bizarre mix of world football and American football was once again clashing early in the game.
    Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 20 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Peculiar.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/peculiar. Accessed 28 Jun. 2025.

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