Definition of oddnext
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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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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 The odd occurrence at the football field also introduces us to Rushville’s most prominent family, the Macons. Judy Berman, Time, 14 Aug. 2026 Of all the superheroes to give the gritty realism treatment, the Green Lantern is an odd choice. Alison Herman, Variety, 14 Aug. 2026 Achieving that requires much more than self-flying helicopters dropping the odd sonobuoy. David Szondy august 12, New Atlas, 13 Aug. 2026 But of all of these festivities, the Patriot Games in Ohio this week might have been the oddest. Matt Viser, The Atlantic, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for odd
Recent Examples of Synonyms for odd
Adjective
  • Mitchell keeps streak alive Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell scored 17 of her 23 points in the second half to extend her WNBA single-season record to 18 straight games with at least 20 points.
    James Boyd, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Jose Altuve singled with two outs before Daulton Varsho drove in a run with single.
    ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The explanation behind this family man’s strange case is well chronicled in many Chicago and New York news stories.
    Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Symptoms include anxiety, hypervigilance, confusion and mania, and taking on activities that might be considered strange.
    Deborah Becker, NPR, 16 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • At the recommendation of assistant director of player personnel Jason Stein, the Mets signed Yan to a two-year minor-league deal, an unusual contract for a healthy pitcher.
    Will Sammon, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Her parents approach sexuality head on, almost with glee, which is certainly unusual for their time and place.
    Deborah Treisman, New Yorker, 16 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • This is uncommon compared to other mental health issues new moms face — postpartum depression, for example, is estimated to affect about 10% of mothers.
    Deborah Becker, NPR, 16 Aug. 2026
  • There is too much going on here for this novel to work, but Andersen is an uncommon writer, a skilled historical novelist as well as an astute cultural observer and historical interpreter.
    John Warner, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Brown has had occasional rough moments during camp, but coach Zac Taylor wasn’t hitting the panic button after a dozen practices and two live series.
    Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Chinese authorities have long seen the deaths of popular former leaders as a potential trigger for a surge of public emotion and an occasional catalyst for instability when remembrance of the dead turns into criticism of those in power.
    Reuters, NBC news, 18 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • On the other hand, Hull were relegated, as were Sunderland, with David Moyes at the helm in his only season there, although there were factors beyond merely the identity of the manager.
    Nick Miller, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Leaving home before being forced to For others, departure has become the only choice that still feels like their own.
    Maria Santana, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • But Ecuadorian authorities have remained mostly silent about the bizarre incidents.
    Michael Rios, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Bobby’s color palette is bizarre, and her idea of a sash that transforms into a shawl scarf is really cool but executed poorly.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 14 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Something extraordinary these episodes illustrate, in our view, is the vulnerability of America’s highly interconnected fresh-food supply chain, in which one grower or supplier problem can ripple astonishingly far.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Sen’s choreography extends this ancient form, adding partnering and dynamic range; her dancers, all trained under her tutelage, move with extraordinary clarity and incisiveness.
    Shauna Lyon, New Yorker, 14 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Odd.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/odd. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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