1
as in unusual
being out of the ordinary
a writer with a peculiar talent for capturing the feel of everyday conversation
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2
as in strange
different from the ordinary in a way that causes curiosity or suspicion
a peculiar and catlike way of walking
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3
as in uncommon
noticeably different from what is generally found or experienced
a peculiar response to a polite query about his health
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4
as in personal
of, relating to, or belonging to a single person
his peculiar way of talking
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5
as in distinctive
serving to identify as belonging to an individual or group
the koala is peculiar to Australia
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6
as in specific
of a particular or exact sort
a psychopathic killer who took peculiar delight in torturing his victims
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of peculiar
The peculiar departure of Pius Suter, given the cost, only adds to that.
—
Dom Luszczyszyn, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2025
Experts said the settlement, dating back to the Neolithic period, is peculiar because it was occupied for about 12 years, which is considered a long time in that historical context.
—Lauren Liebhaber, Miami Herald, 19 Aug. 2025
In his youth, the blue-eyed Stamp was widely considered one of the most handsome men onscreen, and Italian director Pier Paolo Pasolini used that to peculiar effect in Teorema (1968), casting the actor as a nameless and wordless visitor who seduces an entire household.
—Rhett Bartlett, HollywoodReporter, 17 Aug. 2025
They’re endangered, and a few years ago, the fish began dying at alarming rates from a peculiar sickness.
—Jack Prator, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for peculiar
Dom Luszczyszyn, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2025
Experts said the settlement, dating back to the Neolithic period, is peculiar because it was occupied for about 12 years, which is considered a long time in that historical context.
—Lauren Liebhaber, Miami Herald, 19 Aug. 2025
In his youth, the blue-eyed Stamp was widely considered one of the most handsome men onscreen, and Italian director Pier Paolo Pasolini used that to peculiar effect in Teorema (1968), casting the actor as a nameless and wordless visitor who seduces an entire household.
—Rhett Bartlett, HollywoodReporter, 17 Aug. 2025
They’re endangered, and a few years ago, the fish began dying at alarming rates from a peculiar sickness.
—Jack Prator, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for peculiar
Recent Examples of Synonyms for peculiar
Adjective
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Because our mulch is rubber, this seemed unusual, and out of caution, the guardian was called immediately.—
Latoya Gayle,
PEOPLE,
8 Sep. 2025
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Routh, who is representing himself, has filed unusual motions requesting strippers and a golf round with the president.—
Kinsey Crowley,
USA Today,
7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The combination of strange comments, a clear lack of education and experience, and a disturbing personal history with mental health struggles and domestic problems doomed his campaign.—
Kimberly Ross,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Sep. 2025
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Coon admitted that their daughter has also taken up a strange favorite film.—
Avalon Hester,
PEOPLE,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The workers may be shackled or handcuffed, and torture is not uncommon.—
Christine Ro,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
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While that's not uncommon, Powell warned that Snitker might regret that decision as Acuna has earned the right to hold onto a leading spot amid a slump.—
Peter Chawaga,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Even if there is no criminal investigation, the NFL has the authority — in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement — to independently investigate allegations in a civil matter and discipline Hill under the league’s personal conduct policy.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
10 Sep. 2025
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So yeah, that case was personal.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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While giants like Diageo and Pernod Ricard dominate volumes, smaller distilleries like Torabhaig are carving out space by leaning into provenance, limited releases, and distinctive house styles.—
Gina Pace,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
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At least with this latest batch of iPhones, Apple has made those options much more distinctive and has finally brought some interesting physical variety to the market.—
Bob O’Donnell,
USA Today,
10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Readers should not rely solely on the content of this article and are encouraged to seek professional advice tailored to their specific circumstances.—
William Jones,
USA Today,
11 Sep. 2025
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The severity, healing and availability of Purdy’s toe will depend heavily on which toe is injured and what specific part of the toe got injured.—
Bruce Y. Lee,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Tusk, the Polish prime minister, convened an extraordinary government meeting early on Wednesday, bringing together the country's emergency and military officials.—
Will Gretsky,
ABC News,
10 Sep. 2025
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France’s Prime Minister Francois Bayrou delivers his general policy statement during the parliamentary extraordinary session prior to a confidence vote over the government’s austerity budget, at the National Assembly in Paris on September 8, 2025.—
Holly Ellyatt,
CNBC,
9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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But everything changes when a string of gruesome killings—which grow increasingly bizarre, with victims covered in rashes and found in deranged, violent states—involves his young daughter Hyo-jin (Kim Hwan-hee).—
Travis Bean,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
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Paxton’s interest in Paul’s plight was bizarre, obsessive and so far beyond normal operations at the attorney general’s office that the agency’s top officials struggled to convey their concerns during the hourslong meeting with two FBI agents.—
Kimberly Ross,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Peculiar.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/peculiar. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.
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