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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 Nostalgia might seem like an odd way to invoke the future, but ESPN executives believe the network’s long history gives it credibility that others lack. Brian Steinberg, Variety, 5 June 2025 Designed to coincide with Pride Month and the 80th anniversary of these odd Finnish mammals(?), the exhibit and its attendant public programming probably represent the largest gathering of Moomins to ever occur stateside. Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 5 June 2025 This led to a delay of the next test flight and an odd resolution between the company and the regulator that was not publicly disclosed but amounts to a slap on the wrist. Eric MacK, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025 Speaking of the first movie, that has to be an odd scene to do with Tom Cruise just hanging above you the entire time. Mike Ryan, IndieWire, 27 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for odd
Recent Examples of Synonyms for odd
Adjective
  • The cheeseburgers at Mama’s Snack shack are $5.50 for a single and $8.60 for a double.
    Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025
  • The Yankees did take a crack at a comeback in the eighth after a bucket of French fries fell on the field, causing a brief delay, as DJ LeMahieu plated two runs with a two-out single up the middle in the eighth.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 8 June 2025
Adjective
  • After coming to the Mets at the trade deadline, Blackburn had a serious of strange injuries, getting hit by a line drive on his hand, and then suffering from a spinal fluid leak that required surgery.
    Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 3 June 2025
  • The dense central region — a strange melding of concentric bubbles and chaotic dusty structures imaged by NASA's Hubble Space Telescope — can also be spotted shining brightly at the heart of the image.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 2 June 2025
Adjective
  • These however, are unusual times that call for something more.
    Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2025
  • The head of the Democratic Party of Puerto Rico is endorsing Andrew Cuomo for mayor of New York City, marking an unusual foray into Big Apple politics for the organization, which typically only focuses on issues local to the island.
    Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 8 June 2025
Adjective
  • Disagreeing with your boss is not uncommon, but there are ways to make your criticism stick without involving others—in this case, the American public.
    Maria Gracia Santillana Linares, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • Michael Goldfarb, an employment attorney and CEO of Guardian HR, told Newsweek that the scenario described in the Reddit post is not uncommon.
    Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • While a few breeds, such as the Turkish Van, are known to enjoy the occasional swim, the average house cat is famously water-averse.
    Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 June 2025
  • Having the occasional treat or missing a workout is okay.
    Lindsay Curtis, Health, 4 June 2025
Adjective
  • Budget negotiators were not the only group to expose themselves to public scrutiny this year.
    Chris Van Buskirk, Boston Herald, 1 June 2025
  • Siakam finished with 15 points, six rebounds and five assists — the only Indiana starter to score in double figures.
    Shakeia Taylor, New York Times, 1 June 2025
Adjective
  • The bizarre blackouts are first explained with a bizarre hit-and-run that shook Larkin months earlier.
    Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 8 June 2025
  • But much of the discussion after the San Francisco Giants' 5-4 victory centered around a bizarre moment in the fourth inning.
    Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 7 June 2025
Adjective
  • Davidson’s interior journey through grief is as extraordinary as the outer trek — both guide her towards thriving in an uncomfortable landscape.
    Bridget Crocker, People.com, 3 June 2025
  • Quite simply, the earlier investors participate in this extraordinary country’s transformation, the greater the rewards will be.
    Djasur Djumaev, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Odd.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/odd. Accessed 14 Jun. 2025.

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