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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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

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

Historically, the Grand Sport has borrowed its design characteristics from the range-topping Z06, and that’s no different this time around.

— Jerry Perez, The Drive, 3 Sep. 2026
This potentially allows the same aircraft platform to undertake different types of strike missions while carrying weapons configured for different target characteristics.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of characteristic

Noun

Like so many quirks of British culture, Highlands tourism owes a debt to the royals.

— Hayley Maitland, Vogue, 31 Aug. 2026
Changing configuration with no external wiring The development depends on a quirk of physics called mechanical bifurcation, which is a sudden shift in structural behavior past a physical tipping point.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 27 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

But what’s especially interesting is the intensity with which Chad Powers approaches Gerry’s fury and eccentricities.

— Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2026
The personal eccentricities of the two leads, along with their odd-couple vibe, provide most of the show’s humor, but the best reason to watch is Taylor, who shows both stars how it’s done, by stealing the show from under their feet.

— Maira Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 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

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Idiosyncrasy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/idiosyncrasy. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of idiosyncrasy

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

apiary

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Games & Quizzes