Synonyms of singular

singular

adjective

ˈsiŋ-gyə-lər 

1

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

• extraordinary
• unusual
• unique
• exceptional
• rare
• uncommon
• abnormal
• remarkable
• outstanding
• odd
• exceeding
• anomalous
• atypical
• peculiar
• incredible
• phenomenal
• especial
• aberrant
• unwonted
• noticeable
• striking
• uncustomary
• notable
• conspicuous
• salient
• freak
• preternatural
• aberrated
• prominent
• extraordinaire
• eccentric
• strange
• bizarre
• inconceivable
• deviant
• incomprehensible
• outlandish
• quaint
• monstrous
• weird
• freakish
• oddball
• unimaginable
• unthinkable

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• common
• ordinary
• normal
• typical
• usual
• customary
• unexceptional
• familiar
• unextraordinary
• frequent
• everyday

2

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• unusual
• uncommon
• strange
• funny
• rare
• extraordinary
• weird
• unique
• peculiar
• curious
• odd
• special
• bizarre
• out-of-the-way
• queer
• offbeat
• unaccustomed
• uncustomary
• remarkable
• eccentric
• abnormal
• exceptional
• atypical
• noticeable
• outlandish
• particular
• oddball
• outré
• noteworthy
• notable
• aberrant
• kooky
• way-out
• irregular
• far-out
• newsworthy

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• common
• ordinary
• usual
• plain
• normal
• typical
• regular
• unexceptional
• familiar
• predictable
• expected

3

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• personal
• subjective
• personalized
• private
• unique
• individual
• particular
• individualized
• separate
• idiomatic
• patented
• distinctive
• peculiar
• characteristic
• privy
• idiosyncratic
• specific
• intimate
• special
• identifying
• express
• independent
• specialized
• especial
• custom
• customized
• nonconformist
• self-sufficient
• self-directed

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• general
• public
• universal
• popular
• generic
• broad
• widespread
• prevalent
• common
• shared
• normal
• typical
• regular
• prevailing

4

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

• only
• one
• lone
• unique
• special
• sole
• single
• solitary
• distinctive
• distinct
• alone
• sui generis
• matchless
• one-off
• incomparable
• unparalleled
• peerless
• inimitable
• unrivaled
• unequaled
• solo
• unsurpassable
• unaccompanied
• individual
• unmatched
• separate
• unattended
• unsurpassed
• nonce

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• multifarious
• myriad
• mixed
• manifold
• varied
• miscellaneous
• heterogenous
• assorted
• promiscuous
• prevalent
• popular
• prevailing
• recurrent
• rampant
• perennial
• patchwork
• divers
• motley
• repeated

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

Recent Examples of singular

Ginzburg was a pioneer of microhistory, which focuses on small, specific units of analysis — such as an individual, a community, or a singular event — to reveal broader themes and issues within history. —ABC News, 17 June 2026

Brief but dense, that EP signaled exciting new ground for the two singular artists. —Dash Lewis, Pitchfork, 16 June 2026

Van Ginkel is a singular defensive player, capable of rushing the passer and playing in coverage with special traits. —Alec Lewis, New York Times, 16 June 2026

Years before winning a Tony and becoming one of comedy’s most singular stars, Cole Escola was stealing scenes on Difficult People. —Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 16 June 2026