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 What’s odd about this latest clash is that Anthropic coordinated with the White House on the deployment of Mythos. Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 15 June 2026 Twenty-odd years later, Stewart, too, recalls the moment. CNN Money, 14 June 2026 Spielberg at first blush may seem an odd choice, but not to Swift. Cathy Applefeld Olson, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026 The summer heat forced games into the fall, which coincided with football season; additionally, games aired at odd hours. Doug Kezirian, New York Times, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for odd
Recent Examples of Synonyms for odd
Adjective
  • Long dismissed as the SEC's celler dweller, Vanderbilt has surged to national relevance on the back of a single transformative season, driven largely by Pavia.
    Rowan Fisher-Shotton, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2025
  • Her freak-out about a single missing shower cap is the spark that kicks off a surprisingly beautiful story about welcoming change, whether that means accepting fluctuations in the hotel’s amenities or letting a family of alien tanuki crash in the place.
    Kambole Campbell, Vulture, 9 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • Truth is stranger than fiction.
    Kate Aurthur, Variety, 17 June 2026
  • As Photay, Shornstein—a master synthesist and producer—flits between atmospheric house, dubby breakbeat workouts, and chirping electro funk, building his songs’ arrangements into strange, angular shapes.
    Dash Lewis, Pitchfork, 16 June 2026
Adjective
  • The lobby is filled with well-to-do patrons, and seeing children in tow is not unusual.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 June 2026
  • The Tiburtinis’ decision may have been unusual, but the pressures behind it were not.
    Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 11 June 2026
Adjective
  • His Heisman candidacy reflects the program's rapid ascent, an uncommon feat for a Commodore, and underscores how swiftly fortunes can shift in college football.
    Rowan Fisher-Shotton, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2025
  • United States Geological Survey While earthquakes are not uncommon in the Bay Area, one city has been experiencing a swarm of quakes since November.
    John Ramos, CBS News, 9 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • There has been the occasional roar, especially when OG Anunoby makes a 3-pointer.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 11 June 2026
  • Harrison recalls Trump being a decent player, working on the back line as a defender and kicking the occasional long ball over the midfield to start an attack.
    Matt Viser, The Atlantic, 11 June 2026
Adjective
  • The backstory Playa Cativo is one of the only hotels along this quiet stretch of coast—and by far the most luxurious (the only other lodge nearby is a hostel popular with backpackers).
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 June 2026
  • Robinson wasn't the only Knick who seemed fed up with Wembanyama.
    Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 11 June 2026
Adjective
  • Weird neighbors and increasingly bizarre diversions plague every attempt Nameless Hero makes to get down the stairs of his building to the man who’s standing outside.
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 14 June 2026
  • And in a bizarre twist, a criminal investigation has been opened after three dogs were found dead at the travel trailer where mauling victim Jodi Cowan was living at the time of the fatal attack.
    Natasha Holt, FOXNews.com, 14 June 2026
Adjective
  • Rice and Elliot Anderson have impressive engines but will carry an extraordinary burden throughout the tournament and need to stay on top of their game and at full intensity throughout.
    Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 16 June 2026
  • Artificial intelligence has changed a whole lot in the past few years because people have started really becoming aware of the extraordinary progress and the extraordinary risks that go with it.
    K. R. Callaway, Scientific American, 16 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Odd.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/odd. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.

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