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as in single
being one of a pair or set without a corresponding mate somehow, there's always at least one odd sock that comes out of the dryer

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word odd distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of odd are eccentric, erratic, outlandish, peculiar, quaint, singular, strange, and unique. While all these words mean "departing from what is ordinary, usual, or to be expected," odd applies to a departure from the regular or expected.

an odd sense of humor

When can eccentric be used instead of odd?

The words eccentric and odd can be used in similar contexts, but eccentric suggests a wide divergence from the usual or normal especially in behavior.

the eccentric eating habits of preschoolers

When would erratic be a good substitute for odd?

While the synonyms erratic and odd are close in meaning, erratic stresses a capricious and unpredictable wandering or deviating.

a friend's suddenly erratic behavior

When is it sensible to use outlandish instead of odd?

In some situations, the words outlandish and odd are roughly equivalent. However, outlandish applies to what is uncouth, bizarre, or barbaric.

outlandish fashions of the time

When is peculiar a more appropriate choice than odd?

While in some cases nearly identical to odd, peculiar implies a marked distinctiveness.

the peculiar status of America's first lady

When might quaint be a better fit than odd?

Although the words quaint and odd have much in common, quaint suggests an old-fashioned but pleasant oddness.

a quaint fishing village

Where would singular be a reasonable alternative to odd?

The meanings of singular and odd largely overlap; however, singular suggests individuality or puzzling strangeness.

a singular feeling of impending disaster

In what contexts can strange take the place of odd?

The words strange and odd are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, strange stresses unfamiliarity and may apply to the foreign, the unnatural, the unaccountable.

a journey filled with strange sights

When could unique be used to replace odd?

The synonyms unique and odd are sometimes interchangeable, but unique implies singularity and the fact of being without a known parallel.

a career unique in the annals of science

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 odd In an odd way, that extends to the audience as well. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 27 June 2025 But that’s an odd assertion for the show to make, because Gi-hun has killed people before. Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 27 June 2025 Chief among them was the odd decision to break the story up into several episodes that shifted the focus between the major factions vying for control of the planet E.D.N. III and its Thermal Energy (often referred to as T-ENG). Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 27 June 2025 While many shopping and food delivery apps send marketing notifications with user permission, seeing these ads from an Apple app that stores credit cards, IDs, and movie tickets is odd. Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 26 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for odd
Recent Examples of Synonyms for odd
Adjective
  • Reputation can shift in a single news cycle, so organizations need a coordinated system co-led by marketing and communications, each with distinct expertise by audience: • Marketing brings consumer insights, brand-building and commercialization to protect equity and trust.
    Toby Wong, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • And under the branches of a large tree, 10 dining table chairs are arranged in a single line.
    Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • This film is set entirely inside a taxi cab that Panahi is driving around Tehran, as different people drift in and out of his car with their own strange and very personal dramas.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 27 June 2025
  • But one of the strangest well wishes came not from a person, but a 1,400-foot-tall building.
    Stephen Daw, Billboard, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • There was an unusual silence surrounding Sacramento’s apparent acquisition of Dennis Schroder on Monday after the Kings reportedly reached an agreement with the free agent point guard.
    Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2025
  • Finally, real-time monitoring can detect unusual activity, such as multiple login attempts or access from unfamiliar IP addresses, allowing organizers to respond quickly to potential threats. 3.
    Michele Dobnikar, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • About 46 novas per year explode in the Milky Way—but since many are very far away, spotting one with the naked eye in the night sky is uncommon.
    Elizabeth Gamillo, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 July 2025
  • And on purely residential streets, that type of building is uncommon since many houses don't have separate bases.
    Sydney Franklin, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
Adjective
  • Colorado and Arizona State offer little more than an occasional flash.
    Jon Wilner, Mercury News, 28 June 2025
  • Although access is limited, occasional special tours allow visitors to glimpse the staggering quantity of bullion stored below ground.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
Adjective
  • Edgecombe, 19, averaged 15 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.2 assists for Baylor in his only collegiate season.
    Tony Jones, New York Times, 25 June 2025
  • The Teamsters aren’t the only union occupied with emerging technologies’ impact on the future of work.
    Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • This bizarre tale about being picked up by bounty hunters, taken to an unmarked warehouse without access to food, water or an attorney were clearly fabricated.
    Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025
  • Alicia Hannah-Kim is breaking her silence after a bizarre incident with Cobra Kai costar Martin Kove earlier this month resulted in him being removed from a fan event for biting her.
    Mekishana Pierre, EW.com, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • These bargain hunters will sometimes go to extraordinary lengths to find a deal.
    Linnea Geiss, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • The book chronicles Rajamani’s extraordinary survival from a massive brain hemorrhage at age 25, tackling themes of disability, race, and cultural taboos.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 27 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Odd.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/odd. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

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