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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 The season’s heat instantly invokes daydreams of strolls through quaint neighborhoods, outdoor dining, and sunset sails on crystal clear waters. Essence, 20 June 2025 From there, Wick remains on the grounds of The Chancellor’s compound — which essentially is a seemingly quaint Austrian town — while Eve continues her path of revenge. Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025 Protagonist Shimizu Hinako's quaint Japanese town has been consumed by an evil fog, leaving her to fend for herself in the twisted, monster-haunted ruins that were once her home. Gabriel Zamora, PC Magazine, 6 June 2025 Looking back, the idea that two newspapers sharing a printing press could violate antitrust laws is laughably quaint. Megan Greenwell, Rolling Stone, 5 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for quaint
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quaint
Adjective
  • But upon Bennet’s arrival, things take a turn for the bizarre, when the wealthy tycoon builds himself a prison cell in the basement, in an apparent act of meditative penance that forces Blakey into an inversion of traditional power dynamics.
    Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Tasked with bringing into reality those that are a little further down on the bizarre end of the spectrum, the show’s prosthetics and VFX teams had their work cut out for them.
    Lisa de los Reyes, HollywoodReporter, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The print is encased in a golden polystyrene frame that looks inspired by antique baroque frames of the early 17th century.
    Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Its 49 guest rooms are filled with antique furniture, damask wallpaper, and ornate chandeliers that lend it a yesteryear vibe.
    Mae Hamilton, AFAR Media, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Because something very strange happens here.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Probably not, given the company’s strange hesitance to part ways with its current leadership.
    Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Messi’s deft chip over the goalkeeper and two scrambling defenders was a vintage finish from the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.
    Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Popular attractions in Reno include the National Automobile Museum, which houses more than 200 classic and vintage cars, and the Truckee River Walk, a scenic walk along the water with cafes and shops along the route.
    Michael Salerno, AZCentral.com, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Zambians are warm, funny, proud.
    Daniel Scheffler, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Darkly funny and deeply melancholic, the film turns the family estate into a pressure cooker of grief, grudges and reluctant affection.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The trendy animal print pattern combined with the crisscross buckle design offers a sophisticated, retro feel that’ll perk up any classic pair of jeans.
    Melody Kazel, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
  • An oversized heron print by Gucci on a retro pink backdrop forms a striking focal point, offset by the clean geometry of the Manhattan skyline.
    Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • So, Hilleary will be in the odd position of facing a significant pay cut for getting a big promotion on Capitol Hill.
    David Mark, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
  • The iPhone Air Only Supports USB 2 Speeds The iPhone Air is relatively full-featured for such a thin phone, but Apple did make some odd compromises.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Airbnb co-founder @jgebbia is working with @DOGE to digitize the government's antiquated retirement process — which is literally housed in 22,000 filing cabinets in a Pennsylvania cave.
    Heather Hunter, The Washington Examiner, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Similarly, with the industry under fire, there’s a strong incentive to chip away at antiquated laws that mostly protect entrenched incumbents at the expense of consumers and business innovators.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Quaint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quaint. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

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