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 Davis, a major Scritti fan, formed a delightful, odd-couple friendship with Gartside and contributed a trumpet solo to Provision, Cupid and Psyche’s 1988 follow-up. Andy Cush, Pitchfork, 15 Feb. 2026 Her longtime love for the odd kitchen tool wasn’t just about taste, but saving time, energy, and cleanup. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2026 But then the thirty-something dude in a newsboy cap does something odd. Ben Travers, IndieWire, 13 Feb. 2026 Sorting the helpful from the odd Gilbertson said much of the early vetting in the Idaho murders was done by the FBI. Ed White, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for odd
Recent Examples of Synonyms for odd
Adjective
  • In other cases, there might be hundreds of these chameleon companies registered at a single address.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Feb. 2026
  • In the dugout, after hitting an RBI single off Zac Gallen, Kyle made the mistake of catching a video of the TV broadcast.
    Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 21 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Probably closer to Mike Piazza strange.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Feb. 2026
  • Jones is no stranger to pushing for reunions.
    Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • In the footage and images released by the FBI, the suspect appears to have a gun holstered near the center of his waist – an unusual position – and is seen wearing a backpack with reflective straps.
    Chelsea Bailey, CNN Money, 20 Feb. 2026
  • Austin criminal defense attorney Sam Bassett told CBS affiliate KEYE-TV that a declaration of innocence is very unusual.
    CBS News, CBS News, 19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • However, more uncommon but serious side effects, like acute pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) and gallbladder issues, need immediate medical attention.
    Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 21 Feb. 2026
  • Criminal defenses that meet the legal threshold to argue an alternative perpetrator was responsible are extremely uncommon in the state, legal experts told the Statesman.
    Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Senior royals, usually greeted by cheering crowds, have in recent years faced occasional heckles from members of the public relating to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
    NBC News, NBC news, 19 Feb. 2026
  • Yes, Florida comes with the occasional hurricane, but the tradeoff is daily sunshine, endless outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and the chance to wake up somewhere that feels like a permanent vacation.
    Carrie Honaker, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Over the next month, in the only weekend games United will play until Leeds United visit on April 11, Palace and Villa both go to Old Trafford on Sundays after European ties on the Thursdays.
    Andy Mitten, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2026
  • The strait is the only way to ship crude from oil-rich Persian Gulf countries to the rest of the world.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • In a bizarre twist, Sweden’s Sara Hector and Norway’s Thea Louise Stjernesund skied identical times — down to the hundredth of a second — in the morning and afternoon to tie for silver.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 15 Feb. 2026
  • Of all the Manhattan’s children—and there are many—the Harvard Cocktail is perhaps the most bizarre.
    Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • But the fundraising efforts have been an extraordinary example of the community that continues to exist, Frenkel said.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 17 Feb. 2026
  • The Poster House show is founded on the private collection of Michael Lellouche, who, in his introduction to the accompanying book, points out an extraordinary symbiosis.
    Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 16 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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