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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 One of the odder examples occurred completely by chance at the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 17 Sep. 2025 Monarez's mother, worked in odd jobs in factories, clerical positions, and, Monarez's personal favorite, as a librarian. Natalie Eilbert, jsonline.com, 17 Sep. 2025 Numarine has delivered 30 examples of the 26XP in the past seven-odd years, illustrating the popularity of the entry-level explorer. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 16 Sep. 2025 Red Bull has taken a step back, going from title contenders to fighting for the odd win. Nelson Espinal, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for odd
Recent Examples of Synonyms for odd
Adjective
  • These acts are punishable crimes, and every single threat will be met with the full force of the law.
    Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 17 Sep. 2025
  • The Midong solar project is the world's largest single-solar power producer, potentially generating enough electricity for 5 million households.
    Jeff Young, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • At the heart of the discovery lies one of quantum mechanics’ strangest features — uncertainty.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 19 Sep. 2025
  • The combination of climbing around this strange building and having heard the almost legendary stories about Karl-Göran was evocative and haunting.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • This is an unusual feature for a screen that’s designed for color-critical design tasks.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
  • When Macron was here, Mick Jagger was there with his girlfriend, which is quite unusual.
    Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The country’s midterm elections were approaching, and violence around elections was not uncommon.
    Vann R. Newkirk II, The Atlantic, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Adam Goldstein of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression said that’s not uncommon, and all experts agreed the number of people participating in this effort is largely unheard of.
    Cate Charron, IndyStar, 15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • It’s located in an oak knoll for peak tranquility, surrounded by olive trees and verdant plants and visited by the occasional deer.
    Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 20 Sep. 2025
  • However, there has been the occasional homeless person who wanders onto the property and needs to be redirected or community member who wants to attend the mass, not realizing the service is for the school kids only.
    Lou Ponsi, Oc Register, 19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski was the only Republican to vote against Miran in the final Senate vote.
    Adeola Adeosun Robert Birsel, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Gone is the time when your only options were liquid or powder, full or light coverage.
    Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Amid violently bizarre practices and visually upsetting situations, Cam finally sees a bigger picture.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 20 Sep. 2025
  • After all, the saga involves asset seizures, the arrest and imprisonment of Citgo executives in Venezuela, prisoner exchanges, and multiple auction rounds in a bizarre, winding legal process.
    Jordan Blum, Fortune, 19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • These systems offer extraordinary capabilities for climate modeling, resource optimization and ecological monitoring.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
  • But parents still have extraordinary power and influence to help their sons navigate the confusing digital messaging onslaught found on their social media feeds.
    Ashleigh N. DeLuca, Parents, 16 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Odd.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/odd. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.

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