IDIOSYNCRASY Synonyms: 58 Similar and Opposite Words

idiosyncrasy

noun

ˌi-dē-ə-ˈsiŋ-krə-sē

Definition of idiosyncrasy

as in trick

an odd or peculiar habit his only idiosyncrasy is his inveterate wearing of sneakers, even with business suits

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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 The humor—dry, humane, occasionally absurd—is ever-present … The Vermont setting, spare and bracing, acts as a quiet amplifier of these idiosyncrasies, while Mason remains attuned to the natural world. — Literary Hub, 10 July 2026 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 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

Noun

My father was the man of tricks, who sat for an hour mining a watermelon with a circular spoon, who carved the rind into a castle.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2026
Teoxane that pulls a bit of a magic trick; metallic and foil eye shadow sticks with a magnetic design from Danessa Myricks Beauty; and a new way to perform one of plastic surgery’s most popular procedures, breast augmentation, from Motiva.

— Elizabeth Siegel, Allure, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of trick

Noun

Willis already has demonstrated the necessary leadership traits to be a franchise quarterback, something that often requires one to consistently fall on the sword — even if the very failure did not remotely involve you.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 18 Sep. 2026
However, because individual plants may not display every characteristic, identify it by several features rather than height or any single trait.

— SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of trait

Noun

This characteristic can provide significant resistance to scratching and wear in demanding environments.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 17 Sep. 2026
His mentality, weathered by his upbringing, is perhaps his most defining characteristic.

— Andrew Destin, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of characteristic

Noun

Welcome to The Athletic’s data notebook, a periodic look at the key trends, standout figures and tactical quirks shaping the Premier League season.

— Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
The birds — which were Neisen’s idea — are usually confined to the rooftop of the converted 19th-century industrial space, a surprising country quirk in the heart of the city designed by landscaping firm Brooklyn Grange.

— Tanya Fevzi, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of quirk

Noun

Her mannerisms, comedy, music, references and cultural touchstones were influenced by the Black woman playing her.

— Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026
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

Definition of mannerism

Noun

By contrast, modern proponents of the existence of a ninth planet focus their searches further out, looking instead to orbital peculiarities in smaller objects that occupy the distant reaches of the solar system.

— Micah Hanks, Space.com, 14 Sep. 2026
In that context, the extra lending since the end of June and the peculiarities of that Gordon transfer instalment make plenty of sense, as the club continues to lose cash each season, even as underlying profitability measures are much improved.

— Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of peculiarity

Noun

Its moribund eccentricities cannot be separated from the tenderness of its story because Rhys and co-writer and composer, Joss Holden-Rea, have taken the time to sculpt characters with interiority that feels invitational.

— Zachary Lee, IndieWire, 16 Sep. 2026
Joe Griffin’s sound design and Sarah Riffle’s lighting contribute to the ethereal atmosphere, while Jazmin Aurora Medina’s costumes encompass the eccentricities and menace of the strange creatures the children meet on their travels.

— Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of eccentricity

Noun

Looking for a solution to a nagging health issue or bad habit?

— USA TODAY, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2026
Differing opinions, interests, schedules, habits, and cleanliness standards can all stack up to turn what was supposed to be a fun group trip into something entirely the opposite.

— Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of habit

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idiosyncrasies

idiosyncrasy

idiosyncratic

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“Idiosyncrasy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/idiosyncrasy. Accessed 19 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of idiosyncrasy

noun

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