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 Canadiens had so many open looks and odd-man breaks, and their power play was lethal. Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 11 May 2026 Is there also an odd detail or two, hinting at mystery? Literary Hub, 11 May 2026 This has been an odd market environment this year. Josh Brown,sean Russo, CNBC, 11 May 2026 Television functions, for him, as a looking glass through which we are enticed, the better to savor the strangeness of beings infinitely odder, if more resilient, than Humpty Dumpty. Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 8 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for odd
Recent Examples of Synonyms for odd
Adjective
  • Upon arrival, officers located a person with a single gunshot wound.
    Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 17 May 2026
  • By the time Yohel Pozo hit a walk-off single in the 11th inning, the Lumberjacks had other fans — and even the mascot Fredbird — joining in on the ruckus.
    Warren Mayes, Chicago Tribune, 17 May 2026
Adjective
  • The band played a rather strange/disturbing version of Happy Birthday, and Bilbo’s cake appeared before us.
    Gregg Kilday, HollywoodReporter, 12 May 2026
  • One monitor shows guitarist Jonny Greenwood manipulating a strange electronic device exuding tangled wires; another loops footage of a burning building.
    Jonathan Cohen, SPIN, 12 May 2026
Adjective
  • The Sun forms a cazimi with Mercury in Taurus in your 3rd House of Communication, illuminating messages, conversations, errands, and daily decisions with unusual clarity.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 14 May 2026
  • The unusual move would allow the administration to bypass a public bidding process, relying on a deal for engineering services already underway at the White House.
    Sarah Blaskey, Washington Post, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • All the craft is in humble service of a screenplay uncommon for its faith in the power of language and communication to transform and to console.
    Jessica Kiang, Variety, 15 May 2026
  • The Sun forms a cazimi with Mercury in Taurus in your 1st House of Self, helping your words, choices, and presence align with uncommon clarity.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • The concentrated schedule created a sense of occasion and urgency that is diluted when games are spread across Thursdays, occasional Wednesdays, Friday holidays, Saturday nights, Sunday mornings and multiple streaming-exclusive windows.
    Bobby Burack OutKick, FOXNews.com, 14 May 2026
  • This is a play that takes young people and their problems seriously, while incorporating occasional humor into the script and direction.
    Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • Barring an Eric Swalwell-style blow-up, the top three — Becerra, Steyer and Hilton — are really the only true contenders.
    Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2026
  • Scheffler has struggled with opening rounds for most of the year since opening with a 63 in his season debut at The American Express, his only victory.
    Doug Ferguson, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2026
Adjective
  • But what happened on April 21 was ominous and bizarre, not conventional.
    U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 May 2026
  • And would today’s more bizarre cast of characters prove even more compelling?
    Peter Bart, Deadline, 7 May 2026
Adjective
  • Both political insurgents were elected under extraordinary circumstances.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2026
  • The extraordinary Denis Compton was one of England’s great batters over two decades from the late 1930s to the late 50s but was good enough as a footballer to win the league and FA Cup as a winger with Arsenal.
    Paul Newman, New York Times, 10 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Odd.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/odd. Accessed 18 May. 2026.

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