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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

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 singular The dress had a surprise open back, held together by singular button and a black bow. —

Lorena Meouchi, Vogue, 8 Feb. 2025 Birney plays Conor as a singular sort of Everyman—the moments of aloneness that are common to everyone have become for him a totalizing way of life. —

Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 7 Feb. 2025 Though Mahomes and Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce are singular talents, Kansas City has won 17 consecutive one-score games even as the linemen and playmakers around them regularly change via free agency and trades. —

Andrew Greif, NBC News, 6 Feb. 2025 Drugstores, for some, are singular lifelines, lifesavers and economic drivers. —

Laura Washington, Chicago Tribune, 29 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for singular

Recent Examples of Synonyms for singular

Adjective

Drivers hover by the gates to transport you off on a moment’s notice: the spa, paddle, pickle, and tennis courts, the local waterfalls, the extraordinary hikes, the water sports, chocolate making.

— Giles Hattersley, Vogue, 15 Feb. 2025
Highlighting the life and career of one of the most influential Black entertainers of the early 20th century, NOBODY explores Williams’ extraordinary rise from Bahamian immigrant to central figure in America’s vaudeville circuit.

— Matt Grobar, Deadline, 14 Feb. 2025