1
2
3
4

Try This Instead

For
Try This
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 Marella carved a unique niche in WWE, blending comedic brilliance with surprising in-ring prowess. Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 20 Mar. 2025 During the experiment, babies were placed in an fMRI machine and shown a series of unique images for two seconds each. Julianna Bragg, CNN, 20 Mar. 2025 Welcome to the world of cannabis wellness retreats—where yoga, meditation, and cannabis come together to create a unique and rejuvenating getaway. Matt Rozo, The Mercury News, 20 Mar. 2025 The seemingly darker avant-garde direction the Grammy winner appeared to be heading signaled for many fans a return to the unique Gaga sounds that characterized peerless projects like The Fame Monster and Artpop. Chris Malone Mendez, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unique
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unique
Adjective
  • As a business owner, fostering an environment that promotes positivity, whether through workplace culture, networking, or personal mindset, can directly impact financial decision-making and success.
    Shane Enete, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
  • This was born out of a total devastation to all of us on a very personal level, and their performances are very distinctively their own.
    Max Gao, Variety, 23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Read More | McClatchy News continues to follow the discovery of the most unusual and intriguing new species.
    Stories by Real-Time news team, with AI summarization, Miami Herald, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Instead of relying on old red flags like misspellings or poor grammar, employees should be trained to identify behavioral anomalies, such as unexpected requests for urgent financial transactions or unusual communication patterns.
    Stephen Moore, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • First, the experts examined the domestic revenue generated by each film—this was the only information available for all works studied.
    Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 21 Mar. 2025
  • The card sold Friday was a 2024 Topps Chrome Update MLB Debut Patch card, the only one of its kind produced.
    Brendan Coffey, Sportico.com, 21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Tornadoes were not uncommon at the time, as Missouri is often considered part of an area of the U.S. nicknamed Tornado Alley.
    Alex Gurley, People.com, 19 Mar. 2025
  • But, while the results might have given internet viewers a shock, these types of ultrasound pictures aren't uncommon.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 17 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Unlike many younger trees, this tree exhibits extraordinary adaptations.
    Scott Travers, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Barry has had an extraordinary coaching journey, considering his playing experiences took him no higher than League One, the English game’s third division.
    Simon Hughes, The Athletic, 23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • For Cheng, the former captain, the Hong Kong Sevens will always hold a special place – with its sea of costumes and unmatched sense of fun.
    Andrew McNicol, CNN, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Photos and videos: Family photos, vacation videos, special events like weddings or graduations and other personal memories that cannot be recreated.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, Fox News, 22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • What happened was that all of this comedy spoken in Kansai-ben was understood nationwide as being funny.
    Ollie Barder, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
  • There’s a couple of really funny, kind of interesting, real stories about musical guests, or different folks at State Dinners who didn’t show up and were late or whatever.
    Lexy Perez, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • For example, when the count is 2-1 and the batter doesn't swing at a borderline pitch, his fate will be dramatically shifted by the home plate umpire's subjective call.
    Jesse Kirsch, NBC news, 26 Mar. 2025
  • Participants acknowledge that judging of this kind is by its nature subjective.
    TIME.com, TIME.com, 24 Mar. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unique.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unique. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on unique

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!