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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 there were quieter, more beautiful paintings, too—filled with Orlik’s odd, occasionally prophetic imagination. Sam Knight, New Yorker, 17 June 2025 Some voices, such as Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, have urged restraint against rushing to defer to Israel’s efforts—putting leading leftists in an odd confluence with folks like Carlson and former Trump counselor Steve Bannon. Philip Elliott, Time, 17 June 2025 That Ehlers couldn’t eclipse 16 minutes last season despite the PP1 promotion is especially odd, a result of a five-on-five demotion. Dom Luszczyszyn, New York Times, 17 June 2025 This unexpected combination sounds odd, but so far has protected my roses. Emily Williams, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for odd
Recent Examples of Synonyms for odd
Adjective
  • Peña led off the 10th with a single that advanced automatic runner Dubón to third.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2025
  • Meanwhile, the Sox had just one hit — a single by Ryan Noda to begin the game — through five innings against Blue Jays starter José Berríos.
    LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2025
Adjective
  • The night before the baby junco landed in the research team’s net, a strange, shifting light filtered through the forest, not far from where the Long Trail, Vermont’s end-to-end hiking route, traverses the Mount Mansfield ridgeline.
    Madeline Bodin, Smithsonian Magazine, 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
  • Thanks to the rapid ascension of brands like Ganni and Saks Potts in recent years, Danish fashion has become a global sensation with its unusual silhouettes, playful colors and patterns, and effortless, bike-ready vibe.
    Stephanie Sporn, Vogue, 1 July 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • Every great American story is sentimental in the same way: instincts born out of struggle, the triumph of the schoolyard over the classroom, uncommon creativity driven by necessity.
    Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 23 June 2025
  • At the end of the day, the Ducks have an uncommon level of control over personnel between the ability to match any offer sheets to their RFAs and the circumstantial factors surrounding their UFAs.
    Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 19 June 2025
Adjective
  • Colorado and Arizona State offer little more than an occasional flash.
    Jon Wilner, Mercury News, 28 June 2025
  • Allegedly set between Episode III and IV, with some occasional flashback episodes, the series would delve into aspects of the Star Wars universe that hadn't been explored before, such as different criminal factions operating across Coruscant.
    Daryl Baxter, Space.com, 28 June 2025
Adjective
  • But for Mårtensson and team captain Martin Kaymer, his resume wasn’t the only deciding factor in choosing to add him to the Cleeks roster.
    Mike Dojc, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
  • Johnson is not the only country star who has stopped mid-concert to address a rowdy crowd.
    Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • While most players at the KPMG Women's PGA Championship are battling the Texas heat, slow play, and a demanding Fields Ranch East layout, Leona Maguire is dealing with something far more bizarre—tick bites!
    Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 June 2025
  • The bizarre mix of world football and American football was once again clashing early in the game.
    Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • The process of making this film has been so extraordinary to me and totally reframed the narrative for me.
    Yvonne Villarreal, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2025
  • Outstanding Actress in a Limited Series Cristin Milioti in The Penguin Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series Deirdre O’Connell in The Penguin Cristin is just so extraordinary, and she’s always been extraordinary.
    Joe Reid, Vulture, 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 5 Jul. 2025.

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