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 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 Her idiosyncrasies remain, though, and PULL is at its most compelling when her experimental tendencies mesh with a four-to-the-floor beat or a theatrical chorus. — Alex Robert Ross, Pitchfork, 15 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
  • Messi was instrumental in Argentina’s route to the final, opening his World Cup with a hat-trick against Algeria and scoring in each of his team’s matches up to and including the round of 16.
    — Cerys Jones, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026
  • The key manufacturing trick was direct ink writing, a form of 3D printing.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of trick
Noun
  • This moment highlighted his enduring intensity, a trait the Blue Jays value, especially as younger players navigate the pressures of a playoff race.
    — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
  • These are potentially key traits for Emery this season, given the number of departures this summer, including Morgan Rogers, Lucas Digne, Youri Tielemans and Ezri Konsa.
    — Aston Villa, New York Times, 22 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
  • 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
  • Says strange things and has funny little mannerisms, but within lies a devastatingly sharp mind which can produce something special that people will be talking about for years.
    — Tim Spiers, New York Times, 14 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
  • Experts suggest role modeling moderation, such as eating produce and protein—and a treat here or there, too—can also help a child build truly healthy and sustainable eating habits.
    — Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Anyone with a scrolling habit will know that social media can be a soothing place for the downbeat and lonely.
    — Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 22 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 29 Aug. 2026.

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