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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 width of this park varies as its borders extend in some areas to create a series of distinct pockets enveloped by nature for diverse activities, fostering a unique sense of place at every turn. New Atlas, 24 June 2025 The Dream Glow and Peaches 'n Cream Barbies The Dream Glow Barbie, released in 1985, is especially beloved for her unique glow-in-the-dark dress. Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 2025 Using strong, unique passwords for each account reduces the risk that a single breach could give someone access to multiple sources of your personal information. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 24 June 2025 Who wouldn’t want content that’s relevant to their unique interests instead of a mess of irrelevant junk? Andrew Luttrell, Time, 24 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for unique
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unique
Adjective
  • As a Dane yourself, are you reminded of your own personal collection with the brand?
    Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 17 June 2025
  • Their personal relationship develops through professional milestones.
    Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 17 June 2025
Adjective
  • Three corners of the brownie remained in tact, but the missing chunk from the center has left the brownie looking pretty unusual, sparking plenty of amused comments from viewers.
    Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025
  • Now, another unusual way to grab hiring managers attention is going viral: Sneaking your resume into a box of donuts.
    Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • Madonna is far from the only celebrity to have been spotted with purses by Aupen — Taylor Swift was notably spotted on a date with Travis Kelce in October 2023 wearing the brand's Nirvana bag in black.
    Starr Bowenbank, People.com, 14 June 2025
  • The only two golfers to shoot 67 or better — Spaun and Thriston Lawrence — putted out of their minds, both ranking top four in the field in strokes gained on the green.
    Brody Miller, New York Times, 13 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
  • 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
  • In 2022, Meghan and Harry attended a special Trooping the Colour that coincided with the queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, marking her 70 years on the throne.
    Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 14 June 2025
  • People who live in the home and have grown used to the set-up of a room may not notice these aspects, but a designer’s keen eyes can’t help but have tunnel-vision towards these things that either make a room special or stand out like a sore thumb.
    Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 14 June 2025
Adjective
  • Ramsey’s memoir is a moving, sometimes funny story about destruction, change and rebirth, told by a woman tempered by fire.
    Laurie Hertzel, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2025
  • From funny reactions to adorable giggles, see some of the best moments from Thursday's big game Comments Taylor Swift is back in her sporty era!
    Alexandra Schonfeld, People.com, 13 June 2025
Adjective
  • Tools And Frameworks Help Spot Potential Accurately Unlike performance, which is usually measured with data, potential can feel subjective.
    Melanie Hughes, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
  • There’s a risk of indecency, certainly, but the boundary is subjective, and Bayern smashing 10 past Auckland was merely them completing a full day’s work.
    Phil Hay, New York Times, 19 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Unique.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unique. Accessed 27 Jun. 2025.

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