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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 But most of the walls, including those of Hitler’s private chamber, were bare concrete – unadorned except for the odd piece of looted artwork. Bryce Hoffman, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2025 The odd bunch of animals seized consisted of horses, camels, goats, rams, sheep and tortoises. Rey Covarrubias Jr, AZCentral.com, 3 Aug. 2025 Mangum admittedly was slow to charge Andy Pages’ single to left in the sixth due to odd bounces, which allowed 35-year-old Freddie Freeman to score from second ahead of a relay throw from Walls. Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Aug. 2025 The ever-changing face of modern gin has birthed many styles to pique the palate of the gin aficionado—or anyone partial to the odd G&T. Camille Berry, Vogue, 15 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for odd
Recent Examples of Synonyms for odd
Adjective
  • With respect to Anthony, the Red Sox broached the idea of a long-term deal with his reps prior to the season, but the player was not yet ready to commit, having not yet even taken a single at-bat at Fenway Park.
    Dan Freedman, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • The song had not come out yet but was being considered as the lead single from Swift's sophomore album Fearless.
    Daysia Tolentino, EW.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • What begins as a strange ritual quickly unravels into a waking nightmare.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 14 Aug. 2025
  • The craft beer industry is in a strange place right now.
    Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Just to see John Turturro and Christopher Walken play lovers is so unexpected, so unusual and so well done.
    Lynette Rice, Deadline, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Although unconventional, Blanco doubled down on his unusual shower routine in conversation with Gomez for Interview.
    Michelle Lee, People.com, 6 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Mind you, such numbers aren’t uncommon when a new artistic director takes over.
    David Lyman, The Enquirer, 7 Aug. 2025
  • In the United States and other high-income countries, such infections are uncommon.
    Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Cast-iron pots and pans require occasional seasoning to restore a fading nonstick surface.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2025
  • True leadership development isn’t about checking a box with occasional training.
    Brent Gleeson, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Spencer Danielson’s team started 3-1 last season with the only loss by a field goal at Oregon.
    Tom Layberger, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025
  • Sullivan University put its only residence hall for sale, moved to an off-campus housing model and downsized its campus offerings this year.
    Stephanie Kuzydym, The Courier-Journal, 12 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • After a couple of insulting caricatures, increasingly bizarre depictions of the Vice President started to spread through the internet, the trend becoming a competition to see who could create the most hideous, weird or original Vance.
    Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • These clever yet bizarre gadgets are both fun and oddly useful.
    Nora Colomer may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 6 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Shooting for the stars and achieving the extraordinary is nothing new for elite athletes who reach the pinnacle of any sport.
    Andrew Rice, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2025
  • And until the two men fell out this spring, Trump granted Tesla CEO Elon Musk an extraordinary amount of power to dismantle the federal workforce.
    Maria Aspan, NPR, 14 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Odd.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/odd. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on odd

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