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 characteristic
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
In Chutto’s eyes, Dale is just as peculiar, but less forthright.
—
Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 22 Oct. 2025
To make matters even more peculiar, the third season of The Diplomat is also off to a bit of a slower start.
—Katie Campione, Deadline, 21 Oct. 2025
The two had a peculiar conversation where Hawkins said Clifton missed smacking her rear end.
—Craig Shoup, Nashville Tennessean, 21 Oct. 2025
Because our peculiar bond had such an impact on my future.
—Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for peculiar
Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 22 Oct. 2025
To make matters even more peculiar, the third season of The Diplomat is also off to a bit of a slower start.
—Katie Campione, Deadline, 21 Oct. 2025
The two had a peculiar conversation where Hawkins said Clifton missed smacking her rear end.
—Craig Shoup, Nashville Tennessean, 21 Oct. 2025
Because our peculiar bond had such an impact on my future.
—Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for peculiar
Recent Examples of Synonyms for peculiar
Adjective
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This translation by Nancy Naomi Carlson preserves the rich musicality of the original French, as well as its frequent use of wordplay and often unusual word choice.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 Nov. 2025
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Ostrich Leather Recognizable by its distinctive quill pattern and supple texture, ostrich leather combines durability with an unusual kind of beauty.—
Cortne Bonilla,
Vogue,
9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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The sounds had become a strange new normal for the diverse Central neighborhood.—
Nicole Acevedo,
NBC news,
10 Jan. 2026
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And there was a strange preoccupation with running out of time, even though the show ended a good 15 minutes early as if the performers didn’t understand their own timeline.—
Matthew J. Palm,
The Orlando Sentinel,
10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Engineers with PennDOT said the slide sent debris across both lanes of I-79 in an area where landslides are not uncommon.—
Patrick Damp,
CBS News,
7 Jan. 2026
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Serious side effects are uncommon, but high-dose treatment for deficiency can occasionally cause low potassium levels.—
Karen Berger,
Verywell Health,
6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Investigators also found that Cowles linked his company card to his personal PayPal account and transferred funds to third parties.—
Matthew Rodriguez,
CBS News,
8 Jan. 2026
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Use moodier colors and personal details to create a cozy, lived-in feel.—
Ashlyn Needham,
The Spruce,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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While achieving a rugged look, the fiber retains the signature softness and high moisture-regulating properties characteristic of TENCEL™ Lyocell, enhancing wearer comfort.—
SJ Studio,
Sourcing Journal,
8 Jan. 2026
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And a floral, almost roselike aroma, considered characteristic of wines from cooler regions, was recently discovered to be caused by the inclusion of dead leaves in the ferment.—
Nicola Twilley,
New Yorker,
5 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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But more than specific features and fixtures, the idea of wellness is becoming a big bathroom selling point.—
Lew Sichelman,
Miami Herald,
9 Jan. 2026
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The final part of the dormancy evolution puzzle is what ecologists refer to as the ecological niche a species occupies — the specific set of conditions that species evolved to exploit or the conditions under which that species is likely to be more successful when compared to other species.—
Paul Cappiello,
Louisville Courier Journal,
9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Packed with extraordinary gorilla behavior never filmed before, this is a story of hope and joy.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
7 Jan. 2026
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Johnson’s ability to rapidly guide the Bears here registers as extraordinary.—
Dan Wiederer,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Even its star, Kim Kardashian, is leaning into the bizarre criticism, posting photos on Instagram of herself laughing along with the rest of the cast, interspersed with scathing reviews.—
Rebecca Aizin,
PEOPLE,
7 Nov. 2025
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And calls like Payton’s bizarre third-and-1 trick play involving Courtland Sutton — a double pass that never came to be — aren’t helping.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
7 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Peculiar.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/peculiar. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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