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 Half the tracks skate along atop grooves informed by house and UK garage, reflecting Hebden’s clubbiest inclinations as well as his idiosyncratic sound design. — Philip Sherburne, Pitchfork, 18 July 2026 Overall, this is popcorn entertainment, safely made for the masses, but Waddingham is such a joy to watch and Spencer creates an ideal, idiosyncratic, Type-A foil. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 15 July 2026 Our messy, idiosyncratic individuality is the foundation of social life — and machines can’t fake it. — Nicholas A. Christakis, Washington Post, 14 July 2026 The face is no longer supposed to be something that holds intimate, idiosyncratic human information; it has been reconfigured as a consumer guide and a disciplinary manual. — Jia Tolentino, New Yorker, 11 July 2026 Giulia is idiosyncratic, the expression of a personal worldview. — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 11 July 2026 It is carefully edited but also provides a glimpse of a goofy, idiosyncratic figure. — Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 10 July 2026 Country star Megan Moroney is partnering with fragrance developer Scent Beauty to parlay her idiosyncratic artistry into perfume for the first time. — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 9 July 2026 Real estate is illiquid, idiosyncratic and emotionally charged. — John Walkup, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for idiosyncratic
  1. distinctive
  2. characteristic
  3. identifying
  4. specific
  5. intimate
  6. personal
  7. special
Adjective
  • In simple terms, each quantum gate leaves behind its own distinctive statistical fingerprint.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 18 July 2026
  • Once a working water tower, the Malibu Water Tower House has become one of the beach city’s most distinctive homes.
    — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 18 July 2026
Definition of distinctive
Adjective
  • The simple bodywork incorporates components like the seat and headlamp into the design while maintaining a characteristic adventure-bike stance.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 21 July 2026
  • Track three scuttles atop a bed of pine needles and broken eggshells, a nervous, almost dubsteppy rhythm haloed in Four Tet’s characteristic bell tones.
    — Philip Sherburne, Pitchfork, 18 July 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
  • This allowed the federal government to more easily zero in on a common culprit that had been consumed, which in turn helped identify the source of an outbreak, such as a specific farm, ranch or distributor.
    — Blake Ellis, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
  • In part, because of the safety-critical and specific knowledge needed to keep thousands of planes on track every day, airlines don’t often hire from other industries, especially at the top.
    — Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 19 July 2026
Definition of specific
Adjective
  • The documentary promises to go beyond the surface level for an intimate look at Young.
    — Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 July 2026
  • Each chamber in the intimate inn has its own character, and pairs thoughtful amenities with tech-forward convenience.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 July 2026
Definition of intimate
Adjective
  • For remote routes, a satellite messenger or personal locator beacon is worth the investment.
    — Ashley Lynch, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2026
  • Merz took the opportunity to make a series of changes after a senior ally quit as the leader of his bloc's parliamentary group over personal conduct that undermined his credibility.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 July 2026
Definition of personal
Adjective
  • The White House Correspondents' Association presented a special award, the President's Award for Exceptional Service, to Gonzales and the staff of the Washington Hilton during Friday night's dinner.
    — Fritz Farrow, ABC News, 25 July 2026
  • Aside from firearm education and training, Valkyrie plans to offer a host of special events, courses and instructors, the pair said.
    — Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 25 July 2026
Definition of special

Browse Nearby Words

idiosyncrasy
idiosyncratic
idiot
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Cite this Entry

“Idiosyncratic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/idiosyncratic. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on idiosyncratic

Nglish: Translation of idiosyncratic for Spanish Speakers

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