Definition of quaintnext
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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 Whether retiring adults are eyeing sunny Florida, quaint Midwest towns, or charming East Coast escapes, there are plenty of destinations across the United States that offer a mix of affordable living and top-notch quality of life. Opheli Garcia Lawler, Travel + Leisure, 16 Feb. 2026 The downtown strip is a taste of the big city tucked away in a quaint small community. Paige Moore, AZCentral.com, 10 Feb. 2026 According to its website, The Franklinville Inn captures the quaint charm of days when Benjamin Franklin traveled through town to Cape May. Courtney Cherry, CBS News, 6 Feb. 2026 Water taxis whisk travelers from the quaint little harbor to isolated beaches and tavernas. Rick Steves, Chicago Tribune, 13 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for quaint
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quaint
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
  • But there's also Tanglin Village with its smaller boutiques, Dempsey Hill with its dining scene and antique shops, and the Peranakan shophouses tucked down side streets that offer glimpses of Singapore's history.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Through a gallery with a rotating selection of contemporary works lies a secret garden with antique gates opening to sophisticated tents lit by Venetian lanterns.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 31 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
  • But the hotel offers plenty of experiences to get to know the area, from countryside tours in a vintage VW convertible to blessing ceremonies at one of Ubud’s oldest sacred sites.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Specifically, Advance Denim’s Reflex line of performance stretch fabrics utilizes VintageFX technology, a dual-core yarn engineered to produce long-wearing, comfort-stretch denim that looks and feels like a favorite pair of vintage jeans.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Why the Vaping Squirrels Trend Is Dangerous The viral clips might look funny, but the reality is far less cute.
    Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Mar. 2026
  • The explanation is kind of funny, but also very much a seasonal sign of renewal on the barrier islands.
    Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Some Brookhill attractions include Inner Peaks Climbing Center, an indoor rock-climbing facility, Puttery, an indoor mini-golf bar for adults and bars such as Pins Mechanical, a social spot with a retro arcade and other games.
    Chase Jordan March 30, Charlotte Observer, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Lorenze talked to Elle recently about what led her to start the retro-chic collection, which goes live April 2.
    Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Humor about the pickle often stems from its distinctiveness—its tangy, assertive flavor and odd appearance lend themselves to exaggerated, whimsical depictions.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Indeed, the evening was so odd that even the famously reclusive poet Robinson Jeffers, who rarely attended parties, left home to experience the spectacle for himself.
    Serena Turner, Vanity Fair, 30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Its walls of red brick had grown thicker after years of gunked ink, the slats of its wooden floors were wildly uneven beneath the buckling weight of antiquated iron machines.
    Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026
  • Idaho is taking steps to bolster its antiquated coroner system following stories by ProPublica that documented how lawmakers have repeatedly failed to fix problems that harm grieving families.
    Audrey Dutton, ProPublica, 24 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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