idiosyncrasy

noun

ˌi-dē-ə-ˈsiŋ-krə-sē How to pronounce idiosyncrasy (audio)
Definition of idiosyncrasynext
as in trick
an odd or peculiar habit his only idiosyncrasy is his inveterate wearing of sneakers, even with business suits

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 idiosyncrasy Norton, for instance, drew many of Hawk’s idiosyncrasies from his friends. — Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 7 July 2026 Both Hanke and Koppl frame big player dynamics as a broader structural shift rather than any single politician’s idiosyncrasy. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 3 July 2026 Anta Claus is spilling over with character flaws, idiosyncrasies, jealousy and frustration. — John Hopewell, Variety, 16 June 2026 There’s an intrinsic pleasure in seeing filmmakers grow both older and weirder, yielding to their personal idiosyncrasies and obsessions, taking wild chances in pursuit of their passions. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for idiosyncrasy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for idiosyncrasy
  1. trick
  2. trait
  3. characteristic
  4. quirk
  5. mannerism
  6. peculiarity
  7. eccentricity
  8. habit
Noun
  • Treister had a smart sense of humor, often performing magic tricks for anyone who would come over to his home, his family said.
    — Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Layered background sighs, a resonant lead vocal, autumnal acoustic guitar flickers, synths both eerie and trippy—James has all his tricks on tap.
    — Ryan Leas, Pitchfork, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of trick
Noun
  • This suggests an inherent bias from the LLM's Reinforcement Learning with Human Feedback (RLHF) training, where human input inadvertently promotes traits like curiosity.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Craig was extremely productive at Harvard and has NFL-caliber traits with his size, mobility and throw power.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of trait
Noun
  • According to the team, each of those characteristics plays out similarly in real fish of various sizes across different ecological niches.
    — Mack DeGeurin, Popular Science, 27 Aug. 2026
  • And most simulants of lunar material are faithful in their geological characteristics, to simulate the lunar surface and its dust, rather than the precise chemistry within.
    — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of characteristic
Noun
  • So, was that sudden rise a weird quirk of an otherwise meaningless season or a worthwhile sign of things to come?
    — Grant Brisbee, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Despite some quirks, the glasses boast an 8-hour battery and real-time translation.
    — Scott Kramer, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of quirk
Noun
  • In a sprightly performance rife with oddball mannerisms, Gnecco gives Borges equal parts impish wisdom, earthy vulgarity and childlike wonder, rarely letting a moment’s silence go unfilled with eager chatter.
    — Guy Lodge, Variety, 29 Aug. 2026
  • On April 14, 2020, Cline was a complete unknown; by April 16, millions of viewers had spent 10 full hours absorbing the actress’ every gesture and mannerism, a blast of immersive exposure that generates a whole other level of parasocial intimacy.
    — Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of mannerism
Noun
  • Our readers from all around the world may not be familiar with the peculiarities of British politics or your political platform.
    — Richard Hall, Time, 12 Aug. 2026
  • And on that field, however, there are some peculiarities in the Hungarian tax system.
    — Tax Notes Staff, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Definition of peculiarity
Noun
  • Recently, though, a wave of UK properties have started to embrace the kinds of cultural eccentricities that Greco saw as lacking in those hotels.
    — Dipal Acharya, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Some Venus signs prefer seduction through mystery and minimalism, while others enjoy eccentricity or perhaps even maximalism.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of eccentricity
Noun
  • Over time, the OlloBot OlloNi SS1 is designed to learn more about different household members, including their habits, preferences, and everyday interactions.
    — Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Most of life is complex and multifaceted, and reading is one of the only habits that pushes back against the instinct to see things in black and white.
    — Mckenna Friedland, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of habit

Browse Nearby Words

idiosyncrasies
idiosyncrasy
idiosyncratic
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Cite this Entry

“Idiosyncrasy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/idiosyncrasy. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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