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unique characteristics
distinctive characteristics
peculiar characteristics
specific characteristics
special characteristics
especial characteristics
a unique design
a distinct design
a distinctive design
an exclusive design
an unparalleled design
an unprecedented design
a unique perspective
an exclusive perspective
an original perspective
a distinct perspective
an unusual perspective
a different perspective
a unique situation
an unusual situation
an uncommon situation
an unparalleled situation
an exceptional situation
an unprecedented situation

Synonym Chooser

How is the word unique distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of unique are eccentric, erratic, odd, outlandish, peculiar, quaint, singular, and strange. While all these words mean "departing from what is ordinary, usual, or to be expected," unique implies singularity and the fact of being without a known parallel.

a career unique in the annals of science

When would eccentric be a good substitute for unique?

While in some cases nearly identical to unique, eccentric suggests a wide divergence from the usual or normal especially in behavior.

the eccentric eating habits of preschoolers

When can erratic be used instead of unique?

The meanings of erratic and unique largely overlap; however, erratic stresses a capricious and unpredictable wandering or deviating.

a friend's suddenly erratic behavior

Where would odd be a reasonable alternative to unique?

The words odd and unique are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, odd applies to a departure from the regular or expected.

an odd sense of humor

When is it sensible to use outlandish instead of unique?

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

outlandish fashions of the time

When could peculiar be used to replace unique?

The synonyms peculiar and unique are sometimes interchangeable, but peculiar implies a marked distinctiveness.

the peculiar status of America's first lady

When might quaint be a better fit than unique?

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

a quaint fishing village

When is singular a more appropriate choice than unique?

The words singular and unique can be used in similar contexts, but singular suggests individuality or puzzling strangeness.

a singular feeling of impending disaster

In what contexts can strange take the place of unique?

While the synonyms strange and unique are close in meaning, strange stresses unfamiliarity and may apply to the foreign, the unnatural, the unaccountable.

a journey filled with strange sights

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 unique Each situation is unique, and limerence can last anywhere from a few weeks to, in extreme cases, 15 years or even a lifetime. Emma Specter, Vogue, 5 July 2025 Recent controversy over bike infrastructure is not unique to North Kansas City. Kansas City Star, 5 July 2025 On June 30, Netflix premiered its documentary Shark Whisperer, which follows Ocean Ramsey in her unique (and controversial — and viral) approach to marine conservation: swimming freely with gigantic sharks for hours on end. Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 4 July 2025 Unlike traditional computing, which processes information in binary sequences, quantum computing harnesses the unique properties of quantum mechanics—superposition, entanglement and tunneling—to process complex information in entirely new ways. Markus Pflitsch, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for unique
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unique
Adjective
  • Thanks to the rapid ascension of brands like Ganni and Saks Potts in recent years, Danish fashion has become a global sensation with its unusual silhouettes, playful colors and patterns, and effortless, bike-ready vibe.
    Stephanie Sporn, Vogue, 1 July 2025
  • There was an unusual silence surrounding Sacramento’s apparent acquisition of Dennis Schroder on Monday after the Kings reportedly reached an agreement with the free agent point guard.
    Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • The only Cuban natives with more homers were Rafael Palmiero (569) and Jose Canseco (480).
    Chuck Murr, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
  • Merrell Women's Moab 3 Mid Hiking Shoes Merrell Men's Moab 3 Hiking Shoes Unsurprisingly, my brother and I aren’t the only fans of these hiking shoes.
    Rebecca Shinners, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2025
Adjective
  • About 46 novas per year explode in the Milky Way—but since many are very far away, spotting one with the naked eye in the night sky is uncommon.
    Elizabeth Gamillo, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 July 2025
  • And on purely residential streets, that type of building is uncommon since many houses don't have separate bases.
    Sydney Franklin, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
Adjective
  • These incisive personal essays perfectly probe our present political moment.
    Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 29 June 2025
  • The calendar overflows, and space for strategic thinking evaporates while personal well-being is pushed to the margins.
    Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025
Adjective
  • Under his leadership, Apple launched the Watch, expanded into the health sector, and maintained extraordinary logistical consistency despite global disruptions.
    Nate Bennett, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
  • In both cases, the National Weather Service offered clear warnings of potentially life-threatening weather events; in Los Angeles, warnings were given days before extraordinary winds — of up to 100 mph — slammed a region already suffering from a record-dry fall.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • Missouri’s offer, passed during a hectic special session last month, would fund up to 50% of new construction or stadium improvements.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 8 July 2025
  • The one minute trailer for her special pokes fun at her son, husband, and mother-in-law — which any Zarna fan knows is par for the course.
    Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 8 July 2025
Adjective
  • Well its funny to say this to Forbes — but the fashion system is financially small but culturally a very potent front of western supremacy.
    Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
  • Make funny faces, play peek-a-boo, take them for a walk around the neighborhood.
    Lauryn Higgins, Parents, 7 July 2025
Adjective
  • Drought Severe to exceptional drought conditions were prevalent for much of south-central Texas when the downpours came, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
    ABC News, ABC News, 7 July 2025
  • One traveler noted their exceptional comfort during a trip to Portugal, praising their elevated look and all-day wearability.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Unique.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unique. Accessed 13 Jul. 2025.

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