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unique characteristics
distinctive characteristics
peculiar characteristics
specific characteristics
special characteristics
especial characteristics
a unique design
a distinct design
a distinctive design
an exclusive design
an unparalleled design
an unprecedented design
a unique perspective
an exclusive perspective
an original perspective
a distinct perspective
an unusual perspective
a different perspective
a unique situation
an unusual situation
an uncommon situation
an unparalleled situation
an exceptional situation
an unprecedented situation

Synonym Chooser

How is the word unique distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of unique are eccentric, erratic, odd, outlandish, peculiar, quaint, singular, and strange. While all these words mean "departing from what is ordinary, usual, or to be expected," unique implies singularity and the fact of being without a known parallel.

a career unique in the annals of science

When would eccentric be a good substitute for unique?

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

the eccentric eating habits of preschoolers

When can erratic be used instead of unique?

The meanings of erratic and unique largely overlap; however, erratic stresses a capricious and unpredictable wandering or deviating.

a friend's suddenly erratic behavior

Where would odd be a reasonable alternative to unique?

The words odd and unique are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, odd applies to a departure from the regular or expected.

an odd sense of humor

When is it sensible to use outlandish instead of unique?

In some situations, the words outlandish and unique are roughly equivalent. However, outlandish applies to what is uncouth, bizarre, or barbaric.

outlandish fashions of the time

When could peculiar be used to replace unique?

The synonyms peculiar and unique are sometimes interchangeable, but peculiar implies a marked distinctiveness.

the peculiar status of America's first lady

When might quaint be a better fit than unique?

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

a quaint fishing village

When is singular a more appropriate choice than unique?

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

a singular feeling of impending disaster

In what contexts can strange take the place of unique?

While the synonyms strange and unique are close in meaning, strange stresses unfamiliarity and may apply to the foreign, the unnatural, the unaccountable.

a journey filled with strange sights

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 unique The Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau spotlights the unique experiences the city’s diverse neighborhoods offer to tourists. Darlene Xiomara Rodriguez, The Conversation, 30 May 2025 In a unique breeding strategy, males of the species die immediately after the breeding cycle, the conservancy said. Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 30 May 2025 As federal policy stagnates, states have a unique opportunity to fill the void. Jeremy Cooney, New York Daily News, 30 May 2025 But in the middle is this new, unique tea experience. Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 20 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for unique
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unique
Adjective
  • Also, having everything taken away in my own personal life.
    Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 May 2025
  • With traces of Bergman but also Chekhov and Ibsen, the film explores the volatile power of art and the cost of making highly personal work.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 24 May 2025
Adjective
  • While the timing off the surgery was a bit unusual, Tremble’s importance to the lineup — and the quick turnaround for rehabilitation — made the decision palatable to the organization.
    Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 27 May 2025
  • Those events may have informed the decision by Merseyside Police, which also responded to the Southport attacks, to quickly release the information that the suspect was White – an unusual step in the early hours of an investigation.
    Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 27 May 2025
Adjective
  • These cancellations aren’t the only signs that something is awry in the festival scene.
    Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 1 June 2025
  • Another night, the stage will feature only performers of color.
    Geoff Mulvihill, Chicago Tribune, 1 June 2025
Adjective
  • Acqui-hires are not uncommon in a competitive tech hiring environment.
    Geri Stengel, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
  • This is why Daigneault refers to the Thunder as an uncommon group.
    Tony Jones, New York Times, 29 May 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
  • The news arrives just days before Duran Duran kick off their European and U.K. tour with Rodgers and CHIC joining as special guests.
    Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 2 June 2025
  • McDonnell is a Times staff writer and Sánchez Vidal is a special correspondent.
    Patrick J. McDonnell, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2025
Adjective
  • There are enough quotable lines of dialogue in the movie’s first half to remind you why Succession was, pound for pound, one of the most profanely funny shows on TV during its run.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 31 May 2025
  • Because to us, the most funny things are right next to the most tragic things.
    Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2025
Adjective
  • Taste is subjective, and USA TODAY Books has plenty of genres to recommend.
    Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 25 May 2025
  • Tracking the administration’s progress is a somewhat subjective process, in part because many of the directives have come through executive orders or require multiple steps to complete.
    Hayley Smith, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on unique

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