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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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 This discovery goes far beyond explaining Saturn’s odd spin. Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 28 Mar. 2026 Abandoned by her husband, Schiaparelli takes odd jobs, some via Picabia, to keep afloat. Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 28 Mar. 2026 Smith, the leading kratom researcher, has said the emphasis on semisynthetic 7-OH is odd because there is no evidence justifying it, and because the natural kratom alkaloid mitragynine still converts to 7-OH during manufacturing and in the body. Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 27 Mar. 2026 Palmer then returned to the podium, marking a turning point from a routine hearing to an odd one. Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 27 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for odd
Recent Examples of Synonyms for odd
Adjective
  • Garcia doubled to score Bohm, then left fielder Brandon Marsh hit a two-run single to tie the game at 3.
    Jim Barnes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Mar. 2026
  • November 22 – December 21 A single spark of inspiration can unleash a wildfire of creativity.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Some 18 months ago, Mack said, the Royals launched a deep dive after Picollo broached the possibility of exploring strange new worlds.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 31 Mar. 2026
  • But rather than avoiding strange quantum phenomena such as superposition and entanglement, Bennett and Brassard embraced them.
    Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The rapid melting is also increasing avalanche activity in unusual places.
    Callie Zanandrie, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026
  • But Chris Piper, manager of public policy and stakeholder engagement at the Partnership for Public Service, said the length of time that has passed since Means' rescheduled confirmation hearing also is unusual.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Such mistakes should be uncommon for this group.
    Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 28 Mar. 2026
  • Little was charged with Cizek's murder, despite authorities not being able to locate his body, which is an uncommon step in a homicide case.
    Jennifer McRae, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Mostly playing garbage time minutes for the Lakers, or the occasional start when injuries depleted the game-day roster, Bronny James stepped into rotation minutes in Indiana.
    Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 26 Mar. 2026
  • Driving east on Route 80 toward the Meta site in Holly Ridge, an unincorporated rural community about 15 minutes east of Rayville—the landscape is defined by flat expanses of soybean and cotton fields, punctuated by grain silos, grazing cows, and the occasional tractor.
    Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Baker would probably love People’s, a new referral-only cocktail lounge in the West Village.
    Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 27 Mar. 2026
  • The only factor complicating a further invasion would be the political cost at home.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The goggles, the GPS address and the laptop — all of it was strong evidence supporting the bizarre story Denise and Aaron had been telling all along.
    Lauren Clark, CBS News, 29 Mar. 2026
  • His YouTube page, once an online venue for his songs, was more recently dedicated to paranoid rants about his family members, some centering on his relationship with his grandfather, and others where Valdez displayed bizarre behavior like imitating Nazi soldiers.
    Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Her credits this decade include a complex and crucial supporting part in Mare of Easttown, an Emmy-winning guest appearance on Hacks, a turn opposite Nicolas Cage in Dream Scenario, and a starring role in Annie Baker’s extraordinary indie film Janet Planet.
    Keith Phipps, Vulture, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Nyad is an extraordinary example, but researchers say a positive attitude is key.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 30 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Odd.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/odd. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.

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