idiosyncratic

adjective

as in distinctive

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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 idiosyncratic An idiosyncratic approach is likelier to leave you on the sidelines. — Colin Fleming, New York Daily News, 4 July 2026 With its loose ends and digressions, Dream Me a Dream stays true to those idiosyncratic instincts while retaining enough of the welcoming glow of Dance of Love to make this an affecting farewell from an endearing eccentric. — Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Pitchfork, 22 June 2026 With Any River, the Winos have refined those traits into a more cohesive group sound while remaining winningly idiosyncratic. — Reed Jackson, SPIN, 19 June 2026 The Health Coach offers unmatched flexibility with those workout plans and responds fluidly to many idiosyncratic prompts and schedule needs. — Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 16 June 2026 The series delighted viewers with quirky humor and idiosyncratic characters, with a cast that included Kaley Cuoco, Jim Parsons, Mayim Bialik and Johnny Galecki, to name a few. — Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 13 June 2026 Widow’s Bay manages to scratch the same itch as recent idiosyncratic horror offerings like Evil and Castle Rock, municipal comedies like Parks and Recreation, and quaint small-town BritBox mysteries. — Joe Reid, Vulture, 13 June 2026 Walken brings his signature idiosyncratic charm to his portrayal of Frank, whose motivations make for a fascinating web of contradictions. — Eric Farwell, Entertainment Weekly, 12 June 2026 Maybe because there’s some cultural inclination toward making an idiosyncratic mark on one’s little corner. — Jessica Kozuka, Travel + Leisure, 10 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for idiosyncratic
  1. distinctive
  2. characteristic
  3. identifying
  4. specific
  5. intimate
  6. personal
  7. special
Adjective
  • The wine itself is distinctive due to its high percentage of Cabernet Franc (up to 55 percent), and also known for its long aging potential (15 to 50 years, and more for great vintages).
    — Lewis Chester, Robb Report, 11 July 2026
  • After a fire—rumored to have been set by a disgruntled former suitor of one of the Gangotena daughters—badly damaged the mansion, Italian architects rebuilt it in the early 20th century, giving it its distinctive Neoclassical character.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 July 2026
Definition of distinctive
Adjective
  • But March’s westside trapped is a stunning left turn even for an artist whose defining characteristic to date is a penchant for change.
    — Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 8 July 2026
  • This later onset is a characteristic LADA shares with type 2 diabetes.
    — Adam Cohen, Oklahoman, 7 July 2026
Definition of characteristic
Adjective
  • But the implementation of that plan has been slow, and some locals have expressed discomfort with the idea of submitting more identifying information, Nguyen said.
    — Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 27 May 2026
  • There are also passports from Lithuania, Ukraine, the Czech Republic and Russia, with most identifying information blacked out.
    — Scott MacFarlane, CBS News, 18 Dec. 2025
Definition of identifying
Adjective
  • Follow the specific directions from your doctor and the exact type of medicine, first and foremost.
    — Alexandra Frost, USA Today, 5 July 2026
  • Multiple readers of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and 11Alive viewers have reached out to me with this specific concern.
    — Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 5 July 2026
Definition of specific
Adjective
  • Veteran rave promoters envision Origin as a 1,000-capacity, Blade Runner–style warehouse with modular patio stages, offering daytime community events that transition into intimate Afro-house and hard-rave nights.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
  • Missoni’s at-home setting offers a much more intimate retail moment rather than a traditional pop-up activation.
    — Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 8 July 2026
Definition of intimate
Adjective
  • The measure aims to prevent businesses from offering different prices for shoppers based on personal information that is collected using tracking technology or other surveillance electronic tools, unless the businesses follow certain rules.
    — Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 11 July 2026
  • Two years later, personal usage had exploded, and the beliefs about impact hadn't moved at all.
    — Mark Murphy, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
Definition of personal
Adjective
  • The project won a special award at Moscow's Archimedes innovation exhibition this year.
    — Fatima Faizi, NPR, 10 July 2026
  • Sunny hikes call for special clothing that keeps harsh UV rays off your skin.
    — Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 10 July 2026
Definition of special

Browse Nearby Words

idiosyncrasy
idiosyncratic
idiot
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Idiosyncratic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/idiosyncratic. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on idiosyncratic

Nglish: Translation of idiosyncratic for Spanish Speakers

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