odd

adjective

ˈäd How to pronounce odd (audio)
Definition of oddnext
1
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

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2
as in strange
different from the ordinary in a way that causes curiosity or suspicion odd behavior that prompted one of the waiting passengers to alert airport security

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3
as in unusual
being out of the ordinary the only odd grade for the exam was the one perfect score

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4
as in uncommon
noticeably different from what is generally found or experienced the odd occurrences in the area attracted the attention of people interested in psychic phenomena

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5
as in occasional
not often occurring or repeated with the exception of the odd sick day, he never takes time off from work

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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 Investigators noticed odd patterns like dozens and dozens of remote hires all listing the same Arizona address, or company systems being accessed from countries the workers supposedly had never visited. —Kim Komando The Kim Komando Show, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2025 Umpteen visits followed — a random mixture of rugby league matches and England football internationals, plus the odd final such as the 1988 Sherpa Van Trophy clash between my dad’s team, Burnley, and Wolverhampton Wanderers in front of 80,841 fans. —Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025 At first, the Hellers see Gein as a bit odd, but harmless. —Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 7 Oct. 2025 The music was full of odd detours and experiments. —Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 7 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for odd
Recent Examples of Synonyms for odd
  1. single
  2. strange
  3. unusual
  4. uncommon
  5. occasional
  6. only
  7. bizarre
  8. extraordinary
Adjective
  • Noting the billions of dollars that Arkansas spends each year on federal programs to help the poor, including Medicaid, food stamps, child welfare and unemployment assistance, Sanders suggested the problems are often too big for a single program to fix.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Oct. 2025
  • However, this is still a group that lacks even a single true top-pair defenseman.
    — Harman Dayal, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
Definition of single
Adjective
  • Every city’s got that one weirdo kid making strange music.
    — Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 10 Oct. 2025
  • The Sidney-Levi side of the proceedings is less interesting but more dominant, demonstrating a strange misunderstanding of the show’s appeal.
    — Alison Herman, Variety, 10 Oct. 2025
Definition of strange
Adjective
  • This is not particularly unusual, and in a traditional 4-2-3-1 system, forcing a team down one side is effective.
    — Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
  • The lawsuit is the first to challenge the administration's unusual use of partisan messaging in government communications during the shutdown, which legal experts told NPR may violate federal ethics laws.
    — Shannon Bond, NPR, 5 Oct. 2025
Definition of unusual
Adjective
  • During this process, scientists look at the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine, testing it first in small groups to assess safety, then in larger groups to confirm protection and detect uncommon side effects.
    — David Higgins, The Conversation, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Side effects are uncommon in healthy people and may include symptoms like gas and bloating.
    — Kirstyn Hill, Health, 6 Oct. 2025
Definition of uncommon
Adjective
  • Besides the occasional random spider that scuttles indoors, some spiders can live in out-of-the-way spots in your home, such as along ceilings or in basements and behind clutter.
    — Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 11 Oct. 2025
  • And yes, there were occasional hijinks spurred by youthful boredom and restlessness.
    — Scott Huver, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2025
Definition of occasional
Adjective
  • When quitting feels like the only option For Khris Rogers, the symptoms that consumed her during perimenopause stole her ability to keep her job.
    — Laura Trujillo, USA Today, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Kaprizov, Spurgeon and Brodin weren’t the only players from the current roster to make the cut.
    — Michael Russo, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
Definition of only
Adjective
  • Haji Wright scored against the Netherlands, but off of a bizarre finish.
    — Paul Tenorio, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Known for his comic relief, zany ways of thinking, and cravings for bizarre foods, the audience admires his individuality and loyalty to Scooby.
    — Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 10 Oct. 2025
Definition of bizarre
Adjective
  • As a result, Ecuador has avoided the extraordinary inflation that has afflicted so many nations in South America, including Argentina.
    — Shawn Tully, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Created in her honor, this rose symbolizes her lifelong mission to protect people, animals, and the environment, offering gardeners a living reminder of her extraordinary impact and enduring message of hope.
    — Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Oct. 2025
Definition of extraordinary

Phrases Containing odd

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odalisques
odd
oddball
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Cite this Entry

“Odd.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/odd. Accessed 12 Oct. 2025.

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