1
as in unusual
being out of the ordinary
a writer with a peculiar talent for capturing the feel of everyday conversation
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2
as in strange
different from the ordinary in a way that causes curiosity or suspicion
a peculiar and catlike way of walking
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3
as in uncommon
noticeably different from what is generally found or experienced
a peculiar response to a polite query about his health
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4
as in personal
of, relating to, or belonging to a single person
his peculiar way of talking
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5
as in distinctive
serving to identify as belonging to an individual or group
the koala is peculiar to Australia
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6
as in specific
of a particular or exact sort
a psychopathic killer who took peculiar delight in torturing his victims
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of peculiar
Given the peculiar recent musings of provocateurs like Tucker Carlson, the speech was timelier than ever.
—
Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Sep. 2025
This one is admittedly peculiar, but beloved in and around its hometown of Lexington, North Carolina, the epicenter of western-style NC barbecue.
—Sheri Castle, Southern Living, 28 Aug. 2025
Most of the detailed reporting about Chaplin was focussed on the peculiar state of his reputation.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2025
The peculiar departure of Pius Suter, given the cost, only adds to that.
—Dom Luszczyszyn, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for peculiar
Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Sep. 2025
This one is admittedly peculiar, but beloved in and around its hometown of Lexington, North Carolina, the epicenter of western-style NC barbecue.
—Sheri Castle, Southern Living, 28 Aug. 2025
Most of the detailed reporting about Chaplin was focussed on the peculiar state of his reputation.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2025
The peculiar departure of Pius Suter, given the cost, only adds to that.
—Dom Luszczyszyn, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for peculiar
Recent Examples of Synonyms for peculiar
Adjective
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This is an unusual feature for a screen that’s designed for color-critical design tasks.—
Mark Sparrow,
Forbes.com,
14 Sep. 2025
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When Macron was here, Mick Jagger was there with his girlfriend, which is quite unusual.—
Stephanie Nolasco,
FOXNews.com,
14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The combination of strange comments, a clear lack of education and experience, and a disturbing personal history with mental health struggles and domestic problems doomed his campaign.—
Kimberly Ross,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Sep. 2025
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Coon admitted that their daughter has also taken up a strange favorite film.—
Avalon Hester,
PEOPLE,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The workers may be shackled or handcuffed, and torture is not uncommon.—
Christine Ro,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
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While that's not uncommon, Powell warned that Snitker might regret that decision as Acuna has earned the right to hold onto a leading spot amid a slump.—
Peter Chawaga,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Even if there is no criminal investigation, the NFL has the authority — in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement — to independently investigate allegations in a civil matter and discipline Hill under the league’s personal conduct policy.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
10 Sep. 2025
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So yeah, that case was personal.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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While giants like Diageo and Pernod Ricard dominate volumes, smaller distilleries like Torabhaig are carving out space by leaning into provenance, limited releases, and distinctive house styles.—
Gina Pace,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
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At least with this latest batch of iPhones, Apple has made those options much more distinctive and has finally brought some interesting physical variety to the market.—
Bob O’Donnell,
USA Today,
10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Readers should not rely solely on the content of this article and are encouraged to seek professional advice tailored to their specific circumstances.—
William Jones,
USA Today,
11 Sep. 2025
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The severity, healing and availability of Purdy’s toe will depend heavily on which toe is injured and what specific part of the toe got injured.—
Bruce Y. Lee,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Tusk, the Polish prime minister, convened an extraordinary government meeting early on Wednesday, bringing together the country's emergency and military officials.—
Will Gretsky,
ABC News,
10 Sep. 2025
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France’s Prime Minister Francois Bayrou delivers his general policy statement during the parliamentary extraordinary session prior to a confidence vote over the government’s austerity budget, at the National Assembly in Paris on September 8, 2025.—
Holly Ellyatt,
CNBC,
9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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But everything changes when a string of gruesome killings—which grow increasingly bizarre, with victims covered in rashes and found in deranged, violent states—involves his young daughter Hyo-jin (Kim Hwan-hee).—
Travis Bean,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
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Paxton’s interest in Paul’s plight was bizarre, obsessive and so far beyond normal operations at the attorney general’s office that the agency’s top officials struggled to convey their concerns during the hourslong meeting with two FBI agents.—
Kimberly Ross,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Peculiar.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/peculiar. Accessed 15 Sep. 2025.
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