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 And yet the oddity of the term Earthlings as a mechanism of cognitive estrangement is that, actually, nothing could be less odd. Literary Hub, 22 June 2026 Collett knew the collaboration with MK was odd at first glance. Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 22 June 2026 Like most of the 50-odd boys on the field, Désir commutes a long distance several days a week to play in peace at Parc Sainte-Thérèse, an arena with artificial turf in the hillside suburb of Pétionville. Jason Motlagh, Rolling Stone, 22 June 2026 Mary Ann signed off on the novel, and Clarke—who, after a series of odd jobs, had just earned a master’s in teaching—was touched by how much his brother had remembered. Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for odd
Recent Examples of Synonyms for odd
Adjective
  • That was the most of any player in that tournament, earning Kane the Golden Boot that year and tying Lineker’s record for the most goals by an England player in a single World Cup.
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 28 June 2026
  • Under state law, any single gift — or multiple gifts from the same source that add up to $50 or more during the annual period — must be disclosed.
    Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2026
Adjective
  • Informal Beyblade battles are popping up in strangest of places, with players huddling in parks, gyms and shopping malls.
    Chris Lau, CNN Money, 24 June 2026
  • The falseness of the medium, though, jibed with the falseness of most attempts, throughout American history, to make sense of this enormous, strange man.
    Christopher Hooks, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026
Adjective
  • What Trump is doing is unusual.
    Dana Taylor, USA Today, 26 June 2026
  • Heat domes are not unusual, but the temperatures in this one have been.
    Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • On June 23, 2026, though, the majority delivered an uncommon defeat in this contentious area.
    Charles J. Russo, The Conversation, 26 June 2026
  • His distaste for the wealthy is not an uncommon feeling in the country, his defense argued.
    Sierra Van Der Brug, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • Steward said the church has around 50 members, although many others in the area stop by for the occasional service.
    Amethyst Martinez, USA Today, 25 June 2026
  • South winds increase to 15-25 mph with occasional gusts over 30 mph.
    Michael Autovino, CBS News, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • Powell became emotional again when the prosecutor said Walton’s sister – his only close surviving relative – fully supported the decision to set him free.
    Andy Rose, CNN Money, 26 June 2026
  • The Toronto fan base, which landed a finalist at every position and two outfielders, is Langeliers’ only true obstacle left to overcome en route to a starting job at the All-Star Game.
    Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • When Aaron Paul’s Jeff attempts to make a suspicious deposit, the bank teller (a game Nina Dobrev) demands to be in on the deal, in the sort of neo-noir twist that could suggest a rich film world populated with bizarre freaks of all stripes.
    Elena Lazic, Variety, 26 June 2026
  • In the canon of DC Comics, Comet is truly a bizarre character.
    Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • Our work complements beautifully the extraordinary work that has already been done by the producers, sales agents and distributors of Mike Leigh’s films over the years.
    Leo Barraclough, Variety, 22 June 2026
  • The Vietnam War was fought by young Americans thrust into extraordinary circumstances.
    Gary MacNamara, Hartford Courant, 22 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Odd.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/odd. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.

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