idiosyncrasy
noun
id·i·o·syn·cra·sy
ˌi-dē-ə-ˈsiŋ-krə-sē 
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
Synonyms
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 idiosyncrasies.
Recent Examples on the Web
Recommended In 2011, the idiosyncrasies and histories of each folio were chronicled in two books based on the research of Dr. West and Dr. Rasmussen’s team.
—
Roy Rivenburg, The Christian Science Monitor, 8 Nov. 2023
Personal idiosyncrasies and backstories are kept to a minimum, while humanizing detail comes via in-the-moment actions.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 13 Oct. 2023
But either due to his choices or the program’s idiosyncrasies, the album has an intriguingly unfinished feel, like a workbook left open.
—Jayson Greene, Pitchfork, 17 Oct. 2023
Some in Charleston, the state capital, insist that the Republican primary next spring is the race to watch, a test of whether West Virginia has held onto its populist idiosyncrasies or, like most states to its south, hardened into a bastion of Republican orthodoxy.
—Campbell Robertson, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2023
One longs to hear more about this hospitality professional’s likes and quirks — idiosyncrasies over and above her situation.
—Celia Wren, Washington Post, 20 Sep. 2023
Against a background of blight and bleakness, the characters dazzle us with their vivid idiosyncrasy.
—Judith Thurman, The New Yorker, 11 Sep. 2023
Get To Know Staten Island’s Residents Additionally, the forthcoming season also promises to further explore the idiosyncrasies of Staten Island.
—Jon Stojan, USA TODAY, 22 Aug. 2023
But other states have their own idiosyncrasies where jurisdiction is for one city, or one population.
—Alexa Gagosz, BostonGlobe.com, 17 July 2023
See More
Roy Rivenburg, The Christian Science Monitor, 8 Nov. 2023
Personal idiosyncrasies and backstories are kept to a minimum, while humanizing detail comes via in-the-moment actions.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 13 Oct. 2023
But either due to his choices or the program’s idiosyncrasies, the album has an intriguingly unfinished feel, like a workbook left open.
—Jayson Greene, Pitchfork, 17 Oct. 2023
Some in Charleston, the state capital, insist that the Republican primary next spring is the race to watch, a test of whether West Virginia has held onto its populist idiosyncrasies or, like most states to its south, hardened into a bastion of Republican orthodoxy.
—Campbell Robertson, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2023
One longs to hear more about this hospitality professional’s likes and quirks — idiosyncrasies over and above her situation.
—Celia Wren, Washington Post, 20 Sep. 2023
Against a background of blight and bleakness, the characters dazzle us with their vivid idiosyncrasy.
—Judith Thurman, The New Yorker, 11 Sep. 2023
Get To Know Staten Island’s Residents Additionally, the forthcoming season also promises to further explore the idiosyncrasies of Staten Island.
—Jon Stojan, USA TODAY, 22 Aug. 2023
But other states have their own idiosyncrasies where jurisdiction is for one city, or one population.
—Alexa Gagosz, BostonGlobe.com, 17 July 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'idiosyncrasy.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Dictionary Entries Near idiosyncrasy
Cite this Entry
“Idiosyncrasy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/idiosyncrasy. Accessed 30 Nov. 2023.
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Kids Definition
idiosyncrasy
noun
id·io·syn·cra·sy
ˌid-ē-ə-ˈsiŋ-krə-sē
plural idiosyncrasies
: a way of behaving or thinking that is characteristic of a person
idiosyncratic
adjective
ˌid-ē-ō-(ˌ)sin-ˈkrat-ik
idiosyncratically
adverb
-ˈkrat-i-k(ə-)lē
Medical Definition
idiosyncrasy
noun
id·io·syn·cra·sy
ˌid-ē-ə-ˈsiŋ-krə-sē
plural idiosyncrasies
1
: a peculiarity of physical or mental constitution or temperament
2
: individual hypersensitiveness (as to a drug or food)
anemia accompanying the use of a sulfa drug is usually considered to be due to idiosyncrasy
More from Merriam-Webster on idiosyncrasy
Nglish: Translation of idiosyncrasy for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of idiosyncrasy for Arabic Speakers
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