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as in single
being one of a pair or set without a corresponding mate somehow, there's always at least one odd sock that comes out of the dryer

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word odd distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of odd are eccentric, erratic, outlandish, peculiar, quaint, singular, strange, and unique. While all these words mean "departing from what is ordinary, usual, or to be expected," odd applies to a departure from the regular or expected.

an odd sense of humor

When can eccentric be used instead of odd?

The words eccentric and odd can be used in similar contexts, but eccentric suggests a wide divergence from the usual or normal especially in behavior.

the eccentric eating habits of preschoolers

When would erratic be a good substitute for odd?

While the synonyms erratic and odd are close in meaning, erratic stresses a capricious and unpredictable wandering or deviating.

a friend's suddenly erratic behavior

When is it sensible to use outlandish instead of odd?

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

outlandish fashions of the time

When is peculiar a more appropriate choice than odd?

While in some cases nearly identical to odd, peculiar implies a marked distinctiveness.

the peculiar status of America's first lady

When might quaint be a better fit than odd?

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

a quaint fishing village

Where would singular be a reasonable alternative to odd?

The meanings of singular and odd largely overlap; however, singular suggests individuality or puzzling strangeness.

a singular feeling of impending disaster

In what contexts can strange take the place of odd?

The words strange and odd are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, strange stresses unfamiliarity and may apply to the foreign, the unnatural, the unaccountable.

a journey filled with strange sights

When could unique be used to replace odd?

The synonyms unique and odd are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 odd By modern standards, the Miura is a simple machine, and also an odd one in some ways. Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 6 Nov. 2025 More than 63,000 Mecklenburg voters cast ballots during the early period, which county data shows is the most for an odd-year or municipal cycle, The Charlotte Observer previously reported. Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 5 Nov. 2025 The 23-year-old has even been the subject of odd trade speculation ever since, but up until this point, the Browns have decided to keep him aboard. Matthew Schmidt, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025 But my father worked a lot of different odd jobs in order to put food on the table for the family. Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 4 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for odd
Recent Examples of Synonyms for odd
Adjective
  • Sales prices of single-family homes across Ohio decreased by 2% from a median of $250,011 in July to $245,017 in August.
    USA TODAY Network, Cincinnati Enquirer, 12 Nov. 2025
  • Resources are local and vary from a single module to several resources.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 11 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • But then something strange happened.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Nov. 2025
  • This addictive, loping track is one of the best and strangest songs from the artist’s fifth album.
    The New Yorker, New Yorker, 7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • This translation by Nancy Naomi Carlson preserves the rich musicality of the original French, as well as its frequent use of wordplay and often unusual word choice.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Nov. 2025
  • Ostrich Leather Recognizable by its distinctive quill pattern and supple texture, ostrich leather combines durability with an unusual kind of beauty.
    Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Unlike many others among Luzzi’s cast of characters, Francesco Datini made uncommon restitution for his very common sins.
    Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 11 Nov. 2025
  • But that's uncommon in today's market.
    Scott Horsley, NPR, 9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • So Fernandez ended up scoring two goals and incessantly bothering the Charlotte FC players with his ball skills and occasional extracurricular activity.
    Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 8 Nov. 2025
  • As a durable and washable rug brand, Ruggable is one of our favorite destinations for outdoor rugs, kids rugs, and even the occasional doormat or entryway piece.
    Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The only person ever executed in Israel was Adolf Eichmann, a key architect of the Holocaust, who was hanged in 1962 after he famously was captured by Israeli intelligence agents in Argentina and subsequently convicted in a landmark trial.
    Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 11 Nov. 2025
  • The Mavs are in desperate need of some good PR, and, at this point, their only move isn’t another PR person but to offer up a GM that the people cannot stand.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Even its star, Kim Kardashian, is leaning into the bizarre criticism, posting photos on Instagram of herself laughing along with the rest of the cast, interspersed with scathing reviews.
    Rebecca Aizin, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2025
  • And calls like Payton’s bizarre third-and-1 trick play involving Courtland Sutton — a double pass that never came to be — aren’t helping.
    Troy Renck, Denver Post, 7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Beginning with 1982’s Conan the Barbarian, the decade gave him an extraordinary run, taking in action, sci-fi and even comedy, pairing with Danny DeVito for 1988’s Twins.
    Damon Wise, Deadline, 11 Nov. 2025
  • Rather than find the extraordinary in their pasts to explain their crimes, he was forced to conclude that no such demonic forces or cataclysmic motives need exist.
    NPR, NPR, 11 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Odd.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/odd. Accessed 14 Nov. 2025.

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