Definition of quaintnext
1
2

Synonym Chooser

How is the word quaint distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of quaint are eccentric, erratic, odd, outlandish, peculiar, singular, strange, and unique. While all these words mean "departing from what is ordinary, usual, or to be expected," quaint suggests an old-fashioned but pleasant oddness.

a quaint fishing village

When is it sensible to use eccentric instead of quaint?

The words eccentric and quaint are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, eccentric suggests a wide divergence from the usual or normal especially in behavior.

the eccentric eating habits of preschoolers

Where would erratic be a reasonable alternative to quaint?

While the synonyms erratic and quaint are close in meaning, erratic stresses a capricious and unpredictable wandering or deviating.

a friend's suddenly erratic behavior

When might odd be a better fit than quaint?

In some situations, the words odd and quaint are roughly equivalent. However, odd applies to a departure from the regular or expected.

an odd sense of humor

When could outlandish be used to replace quaint?

The synonyms outlandish and quaint are sometimes interchangeable, but outlandish applies to what is uncouth, bizarre, or barbaric.

outlandish fashions of the time

In what contexts can peculiar take the place of quaint?

Although the words peculiar and quaint have much in common, peculiar implies a marked distinctiveness.

the peculiar status of America's first lady

When would singular be a good substitute for quaint?

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

a singular feeling of impending disaster

When is strange a more appropriate choice than quaint?

While in some cases nearly identical to quaint, strange stresses unfamiliarity and may apply to the foreign, the unnatural, the unaccountable.

a journey filled with strange sights

When can unique be used instead of quaint?

The meanings of unique and quaint largely overlap; however, 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 quaint Here, Atkins blends bold arthouse bravado with the quaint charm of home video to create tangible proof that the hallmarks of authenticity are changing before our very eyes — in real life and onscreen. Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 27 July 2026 The quaint downtown is easily walkable and peppered with shops that have been family run for generations and restaurants loved by all ages. Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 16 July 2026 Nestled along the banks of the Brazos River, Granbury is an idyllic lakeside town where quaint coffee shops and a historic City Hall building overlook glittering water and lush green trees. Emily Holshouser july 15, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026 Revisiting that article in the age of Musk the trillionaire feels almost quaint. Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 20 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for quaint
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quaint
Adjective
  • Years earlier at her former lab in Ohio, chromosomes in mouse eggs and embryos began dividing in bizarre ways, creating the kinds of genetic errors that can lead to Down syndrome and other chromosomal disorders.
    Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Her videos were outrageous and conspiratorial, and the more elaborate and bizarre her stories became, the more people online were drawn to her.
    Zander Sherman, Rolling Stone, 7 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Get the antique style by opting for a solid wood shelf with traditional trim.
    Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Inside, limestone walls and old stone arches play into the traditional Cycladic style; though more recent renovations, including a burgundy marble kitchen floor and antique brass outdoor shower, give it an elevated spin.
    Monica Mendal, Vogue, 10 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Investigators later ruled out trains and power lines as possible causes — and traced the fire’s point of origin to the same spot Child witnessed the man’s strange behavior.
    Cindy Von Quednow, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026
  • And Dad actually makes an uncredited vocal cameo on one of the album’s more blessedly strange tracks.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 9 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Erin Parsons is turning her sprawling collection of rare and vintage beauty products into an online makeup museum.
    Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 10 Aug. 2026
  • But vintage bentwood chairs produced later are one of Williamson’s picks for older styles that continue to find a place in contemporary interiors.
    Kristin Hohenadel, The Spruce, 9 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Sarcasm is an interesting thing because it can be viewed by some people as funny and other people as hurtful.
    Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • A little bit funny, a lot cheesy and completely, unabashedly earnest, her Liz is — like moms everywhere — at once a perfectly ordinary woman and the center of the universe.
    Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • From retro denim totes to backpacks, mini styles for kids and park-ready packable bags, the collection combines BÉIS’ signature travel friendly functionality with playful Disney details.
    Casey DelBasso, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Casual tees, in general, have dominated the summer 2026 trend cycle, between retro striped ringer tees and rugby polos to raglan shirts and sports jerseys.
    Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 12 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • This may seem like an odd one, but this Springsugar hair set comes with three combs, a hair wax stick, and a finishing stick.
    Hayley Domin, Travel + Leisure, 8 Aug. 2026
  • The instruments and rhythms dance with Lenae’s sinuous vocals, nudging her into odd pockets, uplifting her notes.
    Stephen Kearse, Pitchfork, 7 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Comptroller Brooke Lierman acknowledged that Maryland needed to improve its return rate and modernize its antiquated systems.
    Mark Lewyn, Baltimore Sun, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Dust ruffles may have gone the way of the dodo after their heyday in the maximalist ’80s, but the absolute best bed skirts (done up in cottagecore ginghams and frothy sateens) are putting the antiquated bed dressing back on the map.
    Shoko Wanger, Architectural Digest, 3 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Quaint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quaint. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on quaint

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!