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 water is more khaki than turquoise, and swimmers might come across the odd bit of floating debris, and the smell leaves something to be desired. Camille Knight, CNN Money, 4 July 2026 The odd firetruck gets through the barricade, but otherwise there’s no thru traffic to speak of. Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 4 July 2026 If your student has an off-campus job or a position that requires them to work odd hours, a car might be worth the expense and hassle. Chris Teague, AJC.com, 3 July 2026 This series may seem like an odd choice to recommend during the July 4 holiday, particularly when the main characters are driven by values that are pointedly un-American. Maira Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for odd
Recent Examples of Synonyms for odd
Adjective
  • In the eighth, Massey hit a go-ahead single, driving in first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 18 July 2026
  • In recent decades, the Mediterranean waters have warmed to temperatures that allow the blue crabs to reproduce more successfully — sometimes multiple times within a single breeding season.
    Kasha Patel, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
Adjective
  • Others may miss the warmth of a person who can read the room, handle a strange request or help when something goes wrong.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
  • Canada coach Jesse Marsch gives strange interview after Morocco World Cup loss.
    Alex Connor, USA Today, 5 July 2026
Adjective
  • Although his adoption listing didn't mention his unusual paws, his foster mom did.
    Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026
  • Indeed, that has led to the highly unusual situation of Australia not being the defending champions in either women’s World Cup, with India holding the 50-over title and New Zealand the T20 crown.
    Paul Newman, New York Times, 5 July 2026
Adjective
  • An inconclusive ballistics result is not uncommon, as the analysis depends on the size and condition of the bullet fragments recovered.
    Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
  • This trend reflects companies' need to expand and contract rapidly, prompting landlords to prebuild and furnish spaces, a practice uncommon just five years ago.
    Jeffrey Steele, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
Adjective
  • Lean beef burgers, pulled chicken and the occasional hot dog also fit the plan.
    Lauren Jarvis-Gibson July 14, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2026
  • Under rural Spanish skies, particularly in dark-sky regions away from towns and cities, observers could see 30 to 50 meteors per hour, with occasional bursts producing even more.
    Jamie Carter, Space.com, 14 July 2026
Adjective
  • Forbes Global Properties is the invitation-only network of top-tier brokerages worldwide and the exclusive real estate partner of Forbes.
    Natalie Hoberman, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026
  • Odysseus also prided himself on being the only person able to string his sturdy bow.
    Tanya Fedak, Variety, 18 July 2026
Adjective
  • When this place is eventually gone — a phrase that feels truly bizarre given the environment this summer and the half-century preceding it — the lasting images will be the seas of red.
    Sam McDowell Updated July 3, Kansas City Star, 4 July 2026
  • Continue reading … 'DEEPLY WEIRD' — CNN panel's bizarre 'read as Jewish' comment about a senator draws fierce blowback.
    , FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
Adjective
  • Given the extraordinary breadth of work recognized each year and the limited time available within a three-hour broadcast, a select number of categories will be moving to the Emmy ceremonies taking place the week prior to the telecast.
    Peter White, Deadline, 17 July 2026
  • The star is, of course, the fynbos, that extraordinary shrubland ecosystem that transforms the landscape with seasonal color, intricate textures and astonishing biodiversity.
    Sarah Kingdom, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Odd.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/odd. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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