Definition of oddnext
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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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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 Besides being interesting on their own, some of these distant cometlike bodies have odd orbits that hint at the existence of another major planet out there in the inky black. Phil Plait, Scientific American, 24 July 2026 Municipal elections held during presidential or congressional election years draw dramatically larger electorates than traditional odd-year contests, when turnout tends to be dominated by voters most engaged in local government. Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 22 July 2026 The state of New York’s 300-odd sidewalk newsstands is somewhat sad. Anne Kadet, Curbed, 22 July 2026 The odd thing about this choice is that, although the DSA’s platform is indeed chock-full of maniacal proposals, on this particular idea, the maniacs have a point. Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 22 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for odd
Recent Examples of Synonyms for odd
Adjective
  • France added a two-run single later in the inning before capping the scoring with a sacrifice fly in the sixth.
    ABC News, ABC News, 1 Aug. 2026
  • On the pitch, Haaland scored seven goals from 18 shots for a 39% conversion rate, the best at a single World Cup among players taking at least 15 shots since Gary Lineker converted 40% in 1986.
    Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The catfish in that Vermont lake has joined a very strange club.
    John Drake, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • Of all the peculiar assignments a newspaper reporter can undertake, writing advance obituaries for local notables who are still very much alive is one of the strangest.
    Suzanne Van Atten, AJC.com, 26 July 2026
Adjective
  • Changes in color, cloudiness, or unusual appearance can be signs the medication may not be stable anymore.
    Judy Koutsky, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
  • These are cases that were acquired in the US, rather than from travel abroad, which makes this year unusual.
    Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 25 July 2026
Adjective
  • For women like Toyama, growing up in the 1960s and ‘70s, divorce was uncommon – and often met with judgment and shame.
    Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 26 July 2026
  • Fares, 68, has a rags-to-riches story not uncommon in Lebanon.
    Jane Arraf, NPR, 26 July 2026
Adjective
  • Artificial intelligence, continual technological advances, evolving workforce expectations, economic uncertainty and increasing complexity have transformed change from an occasional event into the operating environment.
    Tony Gambill, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
  • Researchers plan to test whether shorter, occasional naps have different effects on the brain over time compared with longer, more frequent ones.
    Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 July 2026
Adjective
  • While maximalist trends often signify that louder pieces are the only way to look fashion-forward, bold styles are ultimately fickle and harder to reinvent in new looks.
    Olivia Cigliano, InStyle, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Mitchell Evans, offensive lineman Robert Hunt, and offensive lineman Damien Lewis were the only ones on the team’s training camp roster who didn’t practice Friday.
    Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 1 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The bizarre Democratic resistance to voter ID requirements also runs counter to common sense.
    Editorial, Boston Herald, 27 July 2026
  • The Brit landed a solid one-two early and from there Prenga never re-found his feet, allowing Joshua to land a huge right hand that sent Prenga to the canvas and brought an early end to a bizarre see-saw fight.
    Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 25 July 2026
Adjective
  • The challenge before us is serious, but the promise of American higher education remains extraordinary.
    Daniel Diermeier, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
  • Today’s leading model will eventually be replaced, and capabilities that seem extraordinary now will become familiar.
    Brent Saunders, Fortune, 31 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Odd.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/odd. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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