idiosyncrasy

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

Updated on: 22 May 2018

Definition of idiosyncrasy

plural idiosyncrasies

1 a : 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

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idiosyncratic

play \ˌi-dē-ō-(ˌ)sin-ˈkra-tik\ adjective

—

idiosyncratically

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

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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 of idiosyncrasy from the Web

Both parties are bringing their stuff — opinions, beliefs, idiosyncrasies — to the interaction.

— veronica mitchell, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Ask Veronica — Walk a mental mile in their shoes," 16 May 2018
As Ars has described previously, domain fronting uses an idiosyncrasy of how some content delivery networks (CDNs) used by major Internet services work.

— sean gallagher, Ars Technica, "Amazon blocks domain fronting, threatens to shut down Signal’s account," 2 May 2018
During long drives on the press bus, our conversations started to revolve entirely around Hillary’s Iowa idiosyncrasies.

— amy chozick, The Hive, "“Organization Don’t Mean Shit”: Inside the Beginning of the End of the Clinton Campaign," 23 Apr. 2018
Given the score's rhythmic complexity and harmonic idiosyncrasies (sly integrations of modal and medieval harmonies), the choral performance, under Alex Monroe's musical direction, is nearly unimpeachable.

— justin hayford, Chicago Reader, "Facility Theatre presents an intricate, complicated Little Match Girl Passion," 19 Apr. 2018
Considering Volkswagen’s history of odd names such as Touareg and Tiguan, you will be relieved to learn that the name Tanoak contains no tongue-twisting idiosyncrasies.

— andrew wendler, Car and Driver, "Volkswagen Atlas Tanoak Pickup Concept: It Could Happen!," 29 Mar. 2018
Digital photography has enabled him to manipulate photographs and add imaginative elements for a new generation of artistic creations, often with humorous features that reflect his view of life with all of its quirks and idiosyncrasies.

— staff report, Houston Chronicle, "Richmond library opens Autrey photo exhibition," 3 Apr. 2018
Quirks and idiosyncrasies balloon into defining traits.

— dan zak, BostonGlobe.com, "‘SNL’ thinks it’s figured out the Trump brothers, but does it get them right?," 14 Mar. 2018
Baumbach’s characters are defined by their idiosyncrasies and imperfections, by their snowballing failures of communication, planning and insight.

— a. o. scott, New York Times, "The Return of the Artistic Company," 18 Feb. 2018

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.