IDIOSYNCRATIC Synonyms: 43 Similar and Opposite Words

idiosyncratic

adjective

as in distinctive

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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 Trump’s desire to parlay personal charisma into deals may be one of his least idiosyncratic qualities. — Jonathan A. Czin, The Atlantic, 14 Sep. 2026 The hit show’s return, after a tidy wrap-up to three sweet seasons, promised a new team and — one hoped — a fresh wave of storylines for its sprawling cast of women footballers, team leaders and idiosyncratic coaches. — Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 10 Sep. 2026 That is a good thing, but the idiosyncratic movie may not play for the opinionated doc branch. — Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 8 Sep. 2026 Perhaps that delay is the result of an idiosyncratic printing schedule. — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026 Related Stories Romance, in terms of genre, is a first for the idiosyncratic director who has often constructed his films around his own persona, appearing as the central character. — Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026 Laika has since carved out a sensibility more surreal and more idiosyncratic than the output of animation factories like Pixar or Illumination. — ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026 Meriwether has forged one of the most idiosyncratic careers in Hollywood. — Joy Press, Vanity Fair, 31 Aug. 2026 With its fountains and patios, its spare ornament and spatial poetry, Clavijero epitomizes the idiosyncratic regionalist style that flourished here in the 1920s. — Michael Snyder, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for idiosyncratic

Adjective

That copper complex is also responsible for the formula’s distinctive blue hue, while glycerin and two forms of hyaluronic acid draw in moisture for an immediate plumping effect.

— Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 6 Sep. 2026
During the traditional preparation process, calcium is added, which gives the jelly its distinctive firm and rubbery texture.

— Michiko Tomioka, CNBC, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of distinctive

Adjective

Since industrial logging began more than a century ago, most of Vancouver Island’s productive old-growth forests — those capable of growing the large trees characteristic of the island’s rainforests — have been cut.

— Annika Hammerschlag, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026
Different chemical elements absorb and emit different wavelengths of light, marking that spectrum with different characteristic fingerprints.

— Rahul Rao, Space.com, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of characteristic

Adjective

Heuer’s attorney, Erick Kaardal, argued that privacy concerns could be balanced with the public’s right to access government records by redacting identifying or sensitive information on the forms.

— Scott Bauer, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
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

Definition of identifying

Adjective

His point is that although LLMs, no less than chess engines and other specialist systems, are trained on a specific task—namely, predicting the next word in a text passage—that task is special.

— George Musser, Scientific American, 17 Sep. 2026
Guests with specific mobility requirements should contact the hotel directly before booking.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of specific

Adjective

Alas, poor Bryan is about to learn the hard way that change — as the saying goes — is as hard to outrun as an ever-growing zombie rat king with 37 different limbs and a weirdly personal vendetta.

— David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 16 Sep. 2026
In 1981, Soviet spy Vladimir Kuzichkin offered up critical insider information on Iran’s Tudeh Party to Britain’s MI6 in exchange for discreet assistance with a personal affliction that was at the heart of his marital troubles.

— Mary Lawrence Ware, semafor.com, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of personal

Adjective

His point is that although LLMs, no less than chess engines and other specialist systems, are trained on a specific task—namely, predicting the next word in a text passage—that task is special.

— George Musser, Scientific American, 17 Sep. 2026
Snoop Dogg is set to host the event, and additional performers, presenters and special guests will be revealed over the next week.

— Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of special

Browse Nearby Words

idiosyncrasy

idiosyncratic

idiot

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

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Synonyms of idiosyncratic

adjective

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