idiosyncrasy

noun

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id·i·o·syn·cra·sy | \ ˌi-dē-ə-ˈsiŋ-krə-sē

plural idiosyncrasies

Definition of idiosyncrasy

1a : a peculiarity of constitution or temperament : an individualizing characteristic or quality

b : individual hypersensitiveness (as to a drug or food)

2 : characteristic peculiarity (as of temperament) broadly : eccentricity

Other Words from idiosyncrasy Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More About idiosyncrasy

Other Words from idiosyncrasy

idiosyncratic \ ˌi-dē-ō-(ˌ)sin-ˈkra-tik

\ adjective

idiosyncratically \ ˌi-dē-ō-(ˌ)sin-ˈkra-ti-k(ə-)lē

\ adverb

Examples of idiosyncrasy in a Sentence

Her habit of using “like” in every sentence was just one of her idiosyncrasies. The current system has a few idiosyncracies.

Recent Examples on the Web Owing to an idiosyncrasy of Texas legal procedure, litigants can seek out specific judges by filing their suits in individual judicial districts. — Jonathan Blitzer, The New Yorker, 1 July 2022 But as the broader culture becomes less tolerant of public displays of anger, and with an increasing number of close calls on the court, racket smashing suddenly no longer seems like an entertaining idiosyncrasy. — New York Times, 30 Mar. 2022 The performance-art aspect of the project is matched by the idiosyncrasy of the inventory. — Naomi Fry, The New Yorker, 5 Feb. 2022 On its stage vanishes … An idiosyncrasy of the book is Gorman’s fondness for didactic digressions. — New York Times, 7 Dec. 2021 Of course, the candid conversations reveal some of the artists' idiosyncrasies. — Amir Vera, CNN, 23 May 2020 What would the idiosyncrasies of my park date’s body be? — Alexandra Jones, refinery29.com, 19 May 2020 The for-profit world can’t afford idiosyncrasies like these. — Brian T. Allen, National Review, 11 Apr. 2020 According to Reich, who directs one of the FluSight Network’s four participating teams, the ensemble approaches make optimal use of the component models’ idiosyncrasies. — Charles Schmidt, Scientific American, 18 Sep. 2019 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'idiosyncrasy.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

15 Jul 2022

Cite this Entry

“Idiosyncrasy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/idiosyncrasy. Accessed 13 Aug. 2022.

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More Definitions for idiosyncrasy

idiosyncrasy

noun

id·i·o·syn·cra·sy | \ ˌi-dē-ə-ˈsiŋ-krə-sē

plural idiosyncrasies

Kids Definition of idiosyncrasy

: an unusual way of behaving or thinking that is characteristic of a person When you know someone a long time, you become accustomed to their idiosyncrasies …— Lemony Snicket, The Ersatz Elevator

idiosyncrasy

noun

id·io·syn·cra·sy | \ ˌid-ē-ə-ˈsiŋ-krə-sē

plural idiosyncrasies