Definition of odditynext
1
2
as in rarity
something strange or unusual that is an object of interest years ago circus sideshows used to display people with unusual physical features as oddities

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
4

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 oddity Another oddity is Ringwald’s co-worker in the record store (Annie Potts), a ’60s leftover who looks 15, alternates between punk and beehive hairdos and listens to the Association, of all groups. Duane Byrge, HollywoodReporter, 31 Mar. 2026 Beneath the surface, however, Bohm has faced obstacles and oddities, including a frightening elbow infection and a viral social media post touting his generosity that was untrue. Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2026 The moons range from planet-size Titan to smaller oddities, some of which are strangely shaped like potatoes or ravioli. Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 26 Mar. 2026 An Animal That Keeps Defying Expectations The platypus already held an extraordinary list of biological oddities. Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 20 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for oddity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oddity
Noun
  • With a little encouragement, and after a bit of sake, Isa Briones will pull out her party trick at karaoke.
    Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 17 Apr. 2026
  • The trick is to hydrate earlier in the day and cut fluids at least an hour before bed, to make sure you’re not woken up by multiple trips to the bathroom.
    Allison Palmer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The space is also adorned with vitrines showcasing jewelry by David Webb, Boucheron, and René Boivin, as well as other rarities, like an asteroid fragment and a Tyrannosaurus rex tooth.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 17 Apr. 2026
  • Now, their rarity might be giving sedans the same effect.
    Robert Ferris, CNBC, 16 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The scale of the anomalies and news reports that showed the lavish lifestyles and fleets of expensive European cars of some of the suspects sparked huge anti-corruption protests last year in a country where millions still live in appalling poverty.
    ABC News, ABC News, 16 Apr. 2026
  • The Anthropic episode risks being not an anomaly, but a preview.
    Robert F. Dees, Fortune, 15 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The town’s overflowing with charming Midwest eccentrics, including a cocky mayor (Henry Winkler) and a welcoming barkeep (Lena Headey).
    Randy Myers, Mercury News, 15 Apr. 2026
  • Those crazy, diverse individuals, that tribe of oddballs and eccentrics, dreamers, and gamblers who make up this business.
    Natalia Senanayake, PEOPLE, 14 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Federal court cases are assigned randomly, but a quirk in the local court rules at the time allowed attorneys to transfer related cases to the same judge without giving attorneys on the other side a chance to contest the transfer.
    Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Apr. 2026
  • The lighthearted moniker reflects both her personality and his admiration for her quirks.
    Nasha Smith, PEOPLE, 10 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The ordinance, unanimously adopted by the City Council on March 17, clamps down on height exceptions for residential buildings and revises the process for considering high-volume drive-thru restaurants, to allow for more council oversight.
    Rose Evans April 12, Idaho Statesman, 12 Apr. 2026
  • One outstanding issue is whether lawmakers will carve out an exception to the ban for existing data centers — an amendment to do so failed to pass the House.
    Ella Nilsen, CNN Money, 12 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • His instincts, toughness and football character are off the charts.
    Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026
  • Thank God for the flair, because the characters are satirically tedious.
    Vince Aletti, New Yorker, 17 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • In truth, a high-quality digital workup synthesizes how traits affect every part of your life.
    Lucy Jones April 11, Miami Herald, 11 Apr. 2026
  • Early analyses have begun to link genes to traits such as drought tolerance and temperature adaptation, but researchers say more rigorous work is needed to confirm those links before they can be used to guide restoration.
    ABC News, ABC News, 10 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Oddity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oddity. Accessed 18 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on oddity

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster