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 The result has been the creation of idiosyncratic labs that attract teachers whose professional backgrounds tend to venture outside disciplinary bounds. — Shanti Escalante-De Mattei, ARTnews.com, 3 Aug. 2026 Population-level case numbers hid individual after idiosyncratic individual — and just how closely research and practice could be intertwined. — Eric Boodman, STAT, 31 July 2026 The Persian Service’s content began to tilt sharply toward Javanmardi’s idiosyncratic perspective on Iran. — Marc Fisher, New Yorker, 30 July 2026 In this scenario, Rogen would emerge as a courageous if idiosyncratic folk hero — one richly rewarded for his stoner fortitude. — Peter Bart, Deadline, 30 July 2026 Interspersed with Mellencamp’s idiosyncratic views of himself were old press shots of the singer, many without a shirt or showcasing pouts and flexed biceps, that fit the song’s wry message. — Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 30 July 2026 But Gunther said there were idiosyncratic boosts, such as for event tickets and gambling with the World Cup. — Alex Harring,sarah Min, CNBC, 21 July 2026 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for idiosyncratic

Adjective

Night after night, Swift would perform for more than three hours, running back her career one era at a time, each one its own world with distinctive sets, costumes, and colors.

— Mitch Therieau, New Yorker, 1 Aug. 2026
Trademark law protects distinctive brand identifiers—like words and symbols—that tell the public exactly who is behind a product.

— Ashlee Difuntorum, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 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

Which is not entirely unreasonable given this very specific set of circumstances.

— Brian Grubb, Vulture, 3 Aug. 2026
The Kansas City-area college also offers an AI certificate and is making plans to tailor AI classes to specific occupations, such as human resources and medical careers.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of specific

Adjective

The Pretty Woman star wore a polka-dot navy dress for the intimate Sun Valley, Idaho ceremony.

— Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 29 July 2026
Midjourney, Nano Banana, Kling, Veo 3 and ElevenLabs An intimate exploration of Kev’s personal experience of blindness, highlighting the people, relationships and aspects of everyday life that matter most to him.

— Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 28 July 2026

Definition of intimate

Adjective

The article emphasizes that leaders must prioritize organizational interventions, such as de-emphasizing long hours and offering clinical sleep support like CBT-I, rather than just personal solutions.

— Mena Mirhom, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Engle then diverted the money to personal purchases, including a yacht, vehicles, jewelry, and other luxury items, authorities said.

— Doug Myers, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of personal

Adjective

That’s a special achievement at Goodwood, which in person feels exclusive but not quite exclusionary.

— Michael Teo Van Runkle, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, offensive linemen, defensive linemen, linebackers, defensive backs and special teams have already been announced.

— Todd Holcomb, AJC.com, 31 July 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 4 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of idiosyncratic

adjective

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