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Synonym Chooser

How is the word quaint distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of quaint are eccentric, erratic, odd, outlandish, peculiar, singular, strange, and unique. While all these words mean "departing from what is ordinary, usual, or to be expected," quaint suggests an old-fashioned but pleasant oddness.

a quaint fishing village

When is it sensible to use eccentric instead of quaint?

The words eccentric and quaint are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, eccentric suggests a wide divergence from the usual or normal especially in behavior.

the eccentric eating habits of preschoolers

Where would erratic be a reasonable alternative to quaint?

While the synonyms erratic and quaint are close in meaning, erratic stresses a capricious and unpredictable wandering or deviating.

a friend's suddenly erratic behavior

When might odd be a better fit than quaint?

In some situations, the words odd and quaint are roughly equivalent. However, odd applies to a departure from the regular or expected.

an odd sense of humor

When could outlandish be used to replace quaint?

The synonyms outlandish and quaint are sometimes interchangeable, but outlandish applies to what is uncouth, bizarre, or barbaric.

outlandish fashions of the time

In what contexts can peculiar take the place of quaint?

Although the words peculiar and quaint have much in common, peculiar implies a marked distinctiveness.

the peculiar status of America's first lady

When would singular be a good substitute for quaint?

The words singular and quaint can be used in similar contexts, but singular suggests individuality or puzzling strangeness.

a singular feeling of impending disaster

When is strange a more appropriate choice than quaint?

While in some cases nearly identical to quaint, strange stresses unfamiliarity and may apply to the foreign, the unnatural, the unaccountable.

a journey filled with strange sights

When can unique be used instead of quaint?

The meanings of unique and quaint largely overlap; however, 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 quaint Sitting in the living room of his quaint two-story suburban home in Atlanta’s Howell Station neighborhood, Chad Murray is doing his best to speak carefully about the new transmission line Georgia Power is building nearby. Justin Worland, Time, 27 Aug. 2025 The Prince and Princess of Wales, along with their three kids—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—are moving later this year from the quaint four-bedroom Adelaide Cottage in the Windsor Home Park to the stately Forest Lodge within Windsor Great Park, BBC first reported. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 20 Aug. 2025 The Virginia Civil War Museum and the Shenandoah Caverns are other landmarks nearby in the quiet, quaint area east of the West Virginia line. Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 13 Aug. 2025 The small town has a walkable, quaint village vibe, but is surrounded by some of the most rugged peaks in the East. Graham Averill, Outside Online, 12 Sep. 2023 See All Example Sentences for quaint
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quaint
Adjective
  • Tactically, the most notable feature of the final was how regularly the two goalkeepers found themselves in bizarre positions, rushing out to close down attackers in wide areas.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Shortly after the in-person meeting, Kacie bowed out in one of the most bizarre breakups ever shown.
    Emily Longeretta, Variety, 4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • This 30+ vendor antique mall, located 10 minutes away in Stuarts Draft, Virginia, features an eclectic mix of antiques, collectibles, and vintage clothing.
    Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 30 Sep. 2025
  • La Chic Boutique Sandpoint has a tempting variety of antique stores and vintage shops, and both Evans and Caso mention one in particular.
    Laura Beausire, Travel + Leisure, 30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Known for their loud personalities, huskies are no stranger to using their voices, but a video of a senior, deaf husky's silent howl is proving that even without sound, the breed still speaks volumes.
    Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Holland also told police about other strange behavior, including an argument while shopping at Wal-Mart, where Overstreet looked at her angrily and pointed at a missing person's picture of Myers posted inside the store.
    Kristine Phillips, IndyStar, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Gothic cathedrals, art deco villas, vintage yellow trams, impeccably dressed signore, bright red Negronis glinting in the sun—these are some of the most classic symbols of Milan, but there’s a whole other side to the city, one that’s contemporary, cosmopolitan, and just plain cool.
    Laura Itzkowitz, AFAR Media, 3 Oct. 2025
  • For vintage vibes and powerful audio, Klipsch's The One Bluetooth speaker is also 37% off and brings that warm, room-filling sound wrapped in wood-and-copper charm.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Jonathan was so funny and quick-witted for such a young kid.
    Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Having this really intense action scene, and then all of a sudden a joke, a funny moment.
    H. Alan Scott, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • However, the new version also incorporates the company’s lauded HD-2D visual art style, that combines retro pixel art with modern 3D environments, creating a unique diorama look.
    George Yang, Rolling Stone, 30 Sep. 2025
  • The jeans have a mid-rise waistline, a tight yet supportive fit around the midsection, and subtle bell-bottom flares that add a touch of retro charm to any fall ensemble.
    Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The scams are odd — but fraudsters can sound incredibly convincing.
    Susan Tompor, Freep.com, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Florida fans can point to a pair of other odd, momentum-killing moments.
    Matt Baker, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Large events might overwhelm its antiquated plumbing system.
    Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 28 Sep. 2025
  • The immigration agent didn’t know what to make of the antiquated document.
    Pedro Rios, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Quaint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quaint. Accessed 5 Oct. 2025.

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