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Synonym Chooser

How is the word peculiar distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of peculiar are eccentric, erratic, odd, outlandish, quaint, singular, strange, and unique. While all these words mean "departing from what is ordinary, usual, or to be expected," peculiar implies a marked distinctiveness.

the peculiar status of America's first lady

In what contexts can eccentric take the place of peculiar?

While in some cases nearly identical to peculiar, eccentric suggests a wide divergence from the usual or normal especially in behavior.

the eccentric eating habits of preschoolers

When could erratic be used to replace peculiar?

The words erratic and peculiar are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, erratic stresses a capricious and unpredictable wandering or deviating.

a friend's suddenly erratic behavior

When is odd a more appropriate choice than peculiar?

The synonyms odd and peculiar are sometimes interchangeable, but odd applies to a departure from the regular or expected.

an odd sense of humor

When would outlandish be a good substitute for peculiar?

The meanings of outlandish and peculiar largely overlap; however, outlandish applies to what is uncouth, bizarre, or barbaric.

outlandish fashions of the time

When is it sensible to use quaint instead of peculiar?

Although the words quaint and peculiar have much in common, quaint suggests an old-fashioned but pleasant oddness.

a quaint fishing village

Where would singular be a reasonable alternative to peculiar?

The words singular and peculiar can be used in similar contexts, but singular suggests individuality or puzzling strangeness.

a singular feeling of impending disaster

When can strange be used instead of peculiar?

In some situations, the words strange and peculiar are roughly equivalent. However, strange stresses unfamiliarity and may apply to the foreign, the unnatural, the unaccountable.

a journey filled with strange sights

When might unique be a better fit than peculiar?

While the synonyms unique and peculiar are close in meaning, 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 peculiar The Lowdown walks a fine if peculiar line. Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2025 No matter how peculiar, everything tastes great at midnight in the desert. Dennis Hinkamp, Denver Post, 23 Sep. 2025 That equality, and the diminishment of obvious markers—peculiar clothes, a strange language, obscure traditions—could be disturbing, and not just to conservative rabbis who saw their authority fading. Ian Buruma, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025 China also launched a spy satellite called Yaogan 45 into a peculiar orbit earlier this month. Robert Pearlman, ArsTechnica, 22 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for peculiar
Recent Examples of Synonyms for peculiar
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
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
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
Adjective
  • We, in collaboration with our partners, store and/or access information on a user's device, including but not limited to IP addresses, unique identifiers, and browsing data stored in cookies, in order to process personal data.
    Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Shop Apple AirTags, personal safety alarms, anti-theft bags, and more essentials while they’re marked down up to 56 percent off.
    Aly Walansky, Travel + Leisure, 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Ross, with his distinctive afro, soothing voice and sunny outlook, empowered millions of viewers to make and appreciate art through his show The Joy of Painting.
    Rachel Treisman, NPR, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Because the brand has not had a particularly distinctive point of view for several seasons, Dario Vitale successfully mixed it up with very retro references, a youthful exuberance, and separated his point of view from his predecessor, Donatella.
    Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The team plans to expand the research to evaluate inhaler emissions in specific patient groups, such as Medicaid recipients, and to compare clinical outcomes of low- and high-emission inhalers in the same therapeutic class.
    Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2025
  • The guidelines contain specific terminology and targets for calories and nutrients that guide federal food aid for mothers and infants, free school lunches and what's served at military bases and in federal prisons.
    Will Stone, NPR, 8 Oct. 2025
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
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

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Cite this Entry

“Peculiar.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/peculiar. Accessed 10 Oct. 2025.

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