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Synonym Chooser

How is the word erratic distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of erratic are eccentric, odd, outlandish, peculiar, quaint, singular, strange, and unique. While all these words mean "departing from what is ordinary, usual, or to be expected," erratic stresses a capricious and unpredictable wandering or deviating.

a friend's suddenly erratic behavior

When is eccentric a more appropriate choice than erratic?

The words eccentric and erratic 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

When can odd be used instead of erratic?

The meanings of odd and erratic largely overlap; however, odd applies to a departure from the regular or expected.

an odd sense of humor

When could outlandish be used to replace erratic?

The words outlandish and erratic can be used in similar contexts, but outlandish applies to what is uncouth, bizarre, or barbaric.

outlandish fashions of the time

Where would peculiar be a reasonable alternative to erratic?

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

the peculiar status of America's first lady

In what contexts can quaint take the place of erratic?

While in some cases nearly identical to erratic, quaint suggests an old-fashioned but pleasant oddness.

a quaint fishing village

When might singular be a better fit than erratic?

In some situations, the words singular and erratic are roughly equivalent. However, singular suggests individuality or puzzling strangeness.

a singular feeling of impending disaster

When would strange be a good substitute for erratic?

While the synonyms strange and erratic are close in meaning, strange stresses unfamiliarity and may apply to the foreign, the unnatural, the unaccountable.

a journey filled with strange sights

When is it sensible to use unique instead of erratic?

The synonyms unique and erratic 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 erratic Young Marlins showed playoff potential this year but were too up-and-down erratic. Miami Herald, 21 Sep. 2025 With adversarial hypersonic weapons becoming increasingly complex and erratic, liquid rocket engines provide active throttle control and throttle range, giving them the maneuverability and flexibility needed for hypersonic defense. Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 21 Sep. 2025 After a summer of drought and erratic rainfall, experts predict the colors will arrive early, burn bright and then fade faster than usual. Viola Flowers, NBC news, 20 Sep. 2025 Moreover, some discrepancies have been identified within the course of a few standalone broadcasts, as audience churn behaviors have been erratic, especially during the fourth quarter. Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 19 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for erratic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for erratic
Adjective
  • She is also banned for life from owning companion animals, is subject to random house visits, and has to pay a $150 fine, as well as restitution of just over $1,000 to the Clermont County Animal Shelter.
    Matthew Cupelli, Cincinnati Enquirer, 4 Oct. 2025
  • These patches are selected at random during construction, making each item even more unique and serving as a special tribute to Disney fans’ love of mystery items and pin collecting.
    Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Despite some concessions from President William Ruto, sporadic, large-scale protests have continued this year, mainly organized on social media.
    Emmanuel Akinwotu, NPR, 2 Oct. 2025
  • This isn’t a strong position for first-year players, so Graham gets the top spot based on those sporadic flashes.
    Dane Brugler, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
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
  • The threat for heavy rain in South Florida is diminishing, however typical scattered thunderstorms with locally heavy downpours are still possible in the area through the weekend.
    Kyle Reiman, ABC News, 13 Sep. 2025
  • The result was a mile-long line that turned scattered craftwork into synchronized production.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Front man Coleman cuts a tall, brooding figure, saving his emotions for his vocal delivery and occasional pronouncements on the importance of faith.
    Brian McCollum, Freep.com, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Sticky snow covered the branches, along with occasional yellow dots of llao llao, an edible fungus native to the region.
    Scott Yorko, Travel + Leisure, 4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The piece is crafted from solid poplar wood, finished with a white wash, and sits on top of sturdy iron legs, which have adjustable levels to accommodate uneven floors or area rugs.
    Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Broader trends suggest an uneven labor market, with professions like health care continuing to thrive while other fields lag, Stahle said.
    Jeff Cox, CNBC, 3 Oct. 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
  • African telecom companies are often at the mercy of government agencies that order the shutdowns, but pressure from the international community could increase accountability and compel the companies to deny unlawful or arbitrary shutdown orders, the researchers argued.
    Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 29 Sep. 2025
  • But Trump’s arbitrary brand of interventionism comes with obvious dangers.
    John Cassidy, New Yorker, 29 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Erratic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/erratic. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.

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