SINGULAR Synonyms: 151 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'singular' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of singular are eccentric , erratic , odd , outlandish , peculiar , quaint , strange , and unique . While all these words mean "departing from what is ordinary, usual, or to be expected," singular suggests individuality or puzzling strangeness. // a singular feeling of impending disaster

Q: In what contexts can 'eccentric' take the place of 'singular'?

While in some cases nearly identical to singular , eccentric suggests a wide divergence from the usual or normal especially in behavior. // the eccentric eating habits of preschoolers

Q: When could 'erratic' be used to replace 'singular'?

The words erratic and singular are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, erratic stresses a capricious and unpredictable wandering or deviating. // a friend's suddenly erratic behavior

Q: When might 'odd' be a better fit than 'singular'?

The meanings of odd and singular largely overlap; however, odd applies to a departure from the regular or expected. // an odd sense of humor

Q: When is 'outlandish' a more appropriate choice than 'singular'?

Although the words outlandish and singular have much in common, outlandish applies to what is uncouth, bizarre, or barbaric. // outlandish fashions of the time

Q: Where would 'peculiar' be a reasonable alternative to 'singular'?

While the synonyms peculiar and singular are close in meaning, peculiar implies a marked distinctiveness. // the peculiar status of America's first lady

Q: When is it sensible to use 'quaint' instead of 'singular'?

The synonyms quaint and singular are sometimes interchangeable, but quaint suggests an old-fashioned but pleasant oddness. // a quaint fishing village

Q: When would 'strange' be a good substitute for 'singular'?

The words strange and singular can be used in similar contexts, but strange stresses unfamiliarity and may apply to the foreign, the unnatural, the unaccountable. // a journey filled with strange sights

Q: When can 'unique' be used instead of 'singular'?

In some situations, the words unique and singular are roughly equivalent. However, unique implies singularity and the fact of being without a known parallel. // a career unique in the annals of science

singular

adjective

ˈsiŋ-gyə-lər

Definition of singular next

as in extraordinary

being out of the ordinary the novelist's singular command of the language makes her a compelling voice in contemporary fiction

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Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in unusual

noticeably different from what is generally found or experienced appearing on the game show has been the most singular experience of my life

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as in personal

of, relating to, or belonging to a single person preserving our national heritage is not a singular responsibility but our collective duty

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as in only

being the one or ones of a class with no other members this crime was a singular case, and using it as a reason for revising the criminal code would be ill-advised

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word singular distinct from other similar adjectives?

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

a singular feeling of impending disaster

In what contexts can eccentric take the place of singular?

While in some cases nearly identical to singular, 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 singular?

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

a friend's suddenly erratic behavior

When might odd be a better fit than singular?

The meanings of odd and singular largely overlap; however, odd applies to a departure from the regular or expected.

an odd sense of humor

When is outlandish a more appropriate choice than singular?

Although the words outlandish and singular have much in common, outlandish applies to what is uncouth, bizarre, or barbaric.

outlandish fashions of the time

Where would peculiar be a reasonable alternative to singular?

While the synonyms peculiar and singular are close in meaning, peculiar implies a marked distinctiveness.

the peculiar status of America's first lady

When is it sensible to use quaint instead of singular?

The synonyms quaint and singular are sometimes interchangeable, but quaint suggests an old-fashioned but pleasant oddness.

a quaint fishing village

When would strange be a good substitute for singular?

The words strange and singular can be used in similar contexts, but strange stresses unfamiliarity and may apply to the foreign, the unnatural, the unaccountable.

a journey filled with strange sights

When can unique be used instead of singular?

In some situations, the words unique and singular are roughly equivalent. However, unique implies singularity and the fact of being without a known parallel.

a career unique in the annals of science

Examples 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 singular Music helps make the sequence of Brightbill (Kit Connor) learning how to fly feel like one singular emotional journey over the course of a montage, while the sound of flapping wings or physical sound effects amplifies specific gags or moments of tension. —

Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 16 Dec. 2024 With a warm, second-skin scent, the amber oil adapts to each individual’s body chemistry to create a singular scent on anyone who wears it. —

Jenny Berg, Vogue, 16 Dec. 2024 There has been no singular catalyst for the Nvidia selloff – its earnings report last month exceeded analyst estimates across the board – though the stock has previously slumped due to geopolitical fears from Nvidia’s reliance on Taiwanese manufacturers. —

Derek Saul, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024 But expect another artful, quirky tale with her singular vision which stems from her own work in art practice even before directing. —

Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 6 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for singular

Recent Examples of Synonyms for singular

Adjective

Surveillance footage captured fireballs hitting the ground with extraordinary speed.

Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024
These extraordinary characterizations complicate love over mere pity.

Armond White, National Review, 11 Dec. 2024