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 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 Inspired by the sensibility of a tantalizingly idiosyncratic writer-performer, the play offered Greenspan the opportunity to star in a Greenspan-esque work not of his own devising. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026 Real estate is illiquid, idiosyncratic and emotionally charged. — John Walkup, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026 Yet its fidelity to the truth of each idiosyncratic character makes the show’s whiplash narrative feel believable. — Judy Berman, Time, 8 July 2026 An idiosyncratic approach is likelier to leave you on the sidelines. — Colin Fleming, New York Daily News, 4 July 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
  • Mackenzie writes with the characteristic judgmental sniff of an upper-crust tourist.
    — Amelia Soth, JSTOR Daily, 15 July 2026
  • This could likely be the last World Cup for the 39-year-old superstar Lionel Messi, who is contributing as effectively as ever, with his characteristic walk up and down the field as teammates and defenders around him jog to and fro.
    — Becky Sullivan, NPR, 14 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
  • Its ships have hundreds of rooms and suites—not thousands—and slip into harbors that megaships cannot reach, keeping shore days intimate enough that the market vendor, the guide, and the lunch that follows feel like part of the same long afternoon.
    — Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2026
  • The dining room is intimate, so reservations are strongly recommended, and Monday nights are dedicated to Charlotte’s hospitality workers.
    — Melissa Oyler, Charlotte Observer, 15 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
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Cite this Entry

“Idiosyncratic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/idiosyncratic. Accessed 17 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on idiosyncratic

Nglish: Translation of idiosyncratic for Spanish Speakers

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