odd

adjective

ˈäd How to pronounce odd (audio)
Definition of oddnext
1
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

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2
as in strange
different from the ordinary in a way that causes curiosity or suspicion odd behavior that prompted one of the waiting passengers to alert airport security

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3
as in unusual
being out of the ordinary the only odd grade for the exam was the one perfect score

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4
as in uncommon
noticeably different from what is generally found or experienced the odd occurrences in the area attracted the attention of people interested in psychic phenomena

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5
as in occasional
not often occurring or repeated with the exception of the odd sick day, he never takes time off from work

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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 Meanwhile, their angsty teenage daughter (Taissa Farmiga) quickly develops an odd relationship with Tate (Evan Peters) within their new, creepy home. —James Mercadante, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Oct. 2025 The odd photo pushes Dan to return home as his relatives gather for his brother's memorial dinner, but Dan's not looking for a family reunion. —Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2025 There have been other bumps in the road, but other than the odd trade dispute or some difference over intellectual property, this has been a relationship that has been moving on an upward trajectory. —Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2025 Both artists are in their dressing rooms, with their managers and a dozen-odd team members each in attendance as well. —Jem Aswad, Variety, 30 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for odd
Recent Examples of Synonyms for odd
  1. single
  2. strange
  3. unusual
  4. uncommon
  5. occasional
  6. only
  7. bizarre
  8. extraordinary
Adjective
  • Noting the billions of dollars that Arkansas spends each year on federal programs to help the poor, including Medicaid, food stamps, child welfare and unemployment assistance, Sanders suggested the problems are often too big for a single program to fix.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Oct. 2025
  • However, this is still a group that lacks even a single true top-pair defenseman.
    — Harman Dayal, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
Definition of single
Adjective
  • Known for their loud personalities, huskies are no stranger to using their voices, but a video of a senior, deaf husky's silent howl is proving that even without sound, the breed still speaks volumes.
    — Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Holland also told police about other strange behavior, including an argument while shopping at Wal-Mart, where Overstreet looked at her angrily and pointed at a missing person's picture of Myers posted inside the store.
    — Kristine Phillips, IndyStar, 3 Oct. 2025
Definition of strange
Adjective
  • This is not particularly unusual, and in a traditional 4-2-3-1 system, forcing a team down one side is effective.
    — Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
  • The lawsuit is the first to challenge the administration's unusual use of partisan messaging in government communications during the shutdown, which legal experts told NPR may violate federal ethics laws.
    — Shannon Bond, NPR, 5 Oct. 2025
Definition of unusual
Adjective
  • During this process, scientists look at the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine, testing it first in small groups to assess safety, then in larger groups to confirm protection and detect uncommon side effects.
    — David Higgins, The Conversation, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Side effects are uncommon in healthy people and may include symptoms like gas and bloating.
    — Kirstyn Hill, Health, 6 Oct. 2025
Definition of uncommon
Adjective
  • Front man Coleman cuts a tall, brooding figure, saving his emotions for his vocal delivery and occasional pronouncements on the importance of faith.
    — Brian McCollum, Freep.com, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Sticky snow covered the branches, along with occasional yellow dots of llao llao, an edible fungus native to the region.
    — Scott Yorko, Travel + Leisure, 4 Oct. 2025
Definition of occasional
Adjective
  • When quitting feels like the only option For Khris Rogers, the symptoms that consumed her during perimenopause stole her ability to keep her job.
    — Laura Trujillo, USA Today, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Kaprizov, Spurgeon and Brodin weren’t the only players from the current roster to make the cut.
    — Michael Russo, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
Definition of only
Adjective
  • Tactically, the most notable feature of the final was how regularly the two goalkeepers found themselves in bizarre positions, rushing out to close down attackers in wide areas.
    — Michael Cox, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Shortly after the in-person meeting, Kacie bowed out in one of the most bizarre breakups ever shown.
    — Emily Longeretta, Variety, 4 Oct. 2025
Definition of bizarre
Adjective
  • As a result, Ecuador has avoided the extraordinary inflation that has afflicted so many nations in South America, including Argentina.
    — Shawn Tully, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Created in her honor, this rose symbolizes her lifelong mission to protect people, animals, and the environment, offering gardeners a living reminder of her extraordinary impact and enduring message of hope.
    — Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Oct. 2025
Definition of extraordinary

Phrases Containing odd

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odalisques
odd
oddball
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Cite this Entry

“Odd.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/odd. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

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