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eccentric

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word eccentric distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of eccentric are erratic, odd, outlandish, peculiar, quaint, singular, strange, and unique. While all these words mean "departing from what is ordinary, usual, or to be expected," eccentric suggests a wide divergence from the usual or normal especially in behavior.

the eccentric eating habits of preschoolers

When is erratic a more appropriate choice than eccentric?

While the synonyms erratic and eccentric 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 odd instead of eccentric?

While in some cases nearly identical to eccentric, odd applies to a departure from the regular or expected.

an odd sense of humor

Where would outlandish be a reasonable alternative to eccentric?

Although the words outlandish and eccentric have much in common, outlandish applies to what is uncouth, bizarre, or barbaric.

outlandish fashions of the time

When could peculiar be used to replace eccentric?

The meanings of peculiar and eccentric largely overlap; however, peculiar implies a marked distinctiveness.

the peculiar status of America's first lady

In what contexts can quaint take the place of eccentric?

In some situations, the words quaint and eccentric are roughly equivalent. However, quaint suggests an old-fashioned but pleasant oddness.

a quaint fishing village

When can singular be used instead of eccentric?

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

a singular feeling of impending disaster

When would strange be a good substitute for eccentric?

The words strange and eccentric 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 might unique be a better fit than eccentric?

The synonyms unique and eccentric 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 eccentric
Adjective
Dress Down a Suit With Minimalist Flip-Flops The Row, ever the master of eccentric elegance, pairs a slim suit with rubber flip-flops. Christina Holevas, Vogue, 15 Apr. 2025 His staff included an eccentric mix of buzzy local chefs — like Carlos Jaquez, who runs a pop up called Birria Pa La Cruda, and Danny Rodriguez, the head chef at Echo Park’s Butchr Bar — and miscellaneous friends and family. Ye Fan, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Noun
Taught by a new-agey eccentric (Gaby Hoffman, elevating a stereotypical part), the class introduces Lauren to aspiring young actors from all walks of life. Tomris Laffly, Variety, 11 Mar. 2025 The Jones could abide eccentrics and cranks. Zach Helfand, The New Yorker, 10 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for eccentric
Recent Examples of Synonyms for eccentric
Adjective
  • Even more bizarre was the depth the starlight's dip changed with every transit.
    Victoria Corless, Space.com, 22 Apr. 2025
  • This is just one in a series of bizarre events that unfolded on the afternoon of April 19, according to the Highlands County Sheriff's Office.
    Chris Spargo, People.com, 22 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The thread that connects each of these characters' stories is the choice between sacrifice and preservation.
    DeVonne Goode, Parents, 21 Apr. 2025
  • But Season 2, by leaning so far into its characters’ anguish, has become more circular and suffocating in its storytelling.
    Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • And the misfortune is in our participation in that strange loop.
    Akilah Sailers, Essence, 28 Apr. 2025
  • The wish is revealing—strange and sad, and haunting in ways the biography cannot quite accommodate.
    Lauren Michele Jackson, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Though never a commercial success, the LP made its way into the hands of oddball punks and art-rock weirdos in the Midwest, intriguing many with its aloof approach to merging rock, punk, new-wave, and experimental prog.
    Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Scientists are interested in the origin of these oddball rocks.
    Amanda Kooser, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • What’s funny about that is that Alexander appears to have some Leonard Williams to his game.
    Charlotte Carroll, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025
  • What started out curious is going to curiouser — funny, violent and wild.
    Tom Gliatto, People.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Those fans got their wish with a model that's twice the size of the original.
    Matthew Korfhage, Wired News, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Prequel spin-offs that are as good as the original would make for a very small chapter in the book about the history of television.
    Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • On the other hand, this three-month gap is a little weird.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
  • It’s been a weird year for some of the league’s best closers.
    Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Three-time Oscar nominee Carey Mulligan is its heart, providing a grounding presence between the grumpy musician and lovable weirdo.
    Lisa Wong Macabasco, Vogue, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Despite the rather unseemly elements of the Fenn hunt—more than a few weirdos stalked Fenn and his family, and one even broke into his house—Gold & Greed argues that this spirit of outdoor exploration made the ordeal worth it.
    Frederick Dreier, Outside Online, 27 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Eccentric.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/eccentric. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

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