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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 Which now seems so quaint to be almost silly. Dana O'Neil, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2025 Noir is a quaint coffee shop where white walls are a canvas for paintings by a rotation of local artists. Lyndsay C. Green, Freep.com, 3 Oct. 2025 From there, drive 30 minutes north to the quaint village of Kinderhook. AFAR Media, 1 Oct. 2025 The fall season is known for being quaint and charming, and the equinox is bringing emphasis to your social circles. Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 21 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for quaint
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quaint
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
Adjective
  • Bordered by antique wood pillar columns, the custom wood and glass front doors lead into a rotunda foyer displaying dark polished hardwood floors that run throughout the interiors.
    Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 11 Nov. 2025
  • Glassware without a microwave-safe label should not be used, including non-tempered glass, antique or fragile glassware, or glass with metallic trims or decorations.
    Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • But then something strange happened.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Nov. 2025
  • This addictive, loping track is one of the best and strangest songs from the artist’s fifth album.
    The New Yorker, New Yorker, 7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Collaborating with stylist Ryan Hastings, Lawrence wore the heels with a vintage Dolce & Gabbana black wool button-down dress.
    Kelsey Stewart, Footwear News, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Travelers booking in the first-class car enjoy padded seating at a table and a vintage interior enhanced with Christmas decor.
    Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Anyone vaguely near the aesthetic gets christened it by fans, including Bassvictim, who were always funnier and more creative than the other modern electroclash revivalists.
    Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 6 Nov. 2025
  • The performance is funny and manic and just the right amount of sad and desperate.
    Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • And in true Rombaut fashion, the Speedcat receives a retro-futuristic upgrade in the duo’s latest tie-up.
    Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 10 Nov. 2025
  • Dreamed up at Neiman Marcus in the 1950s, this retro classic blends creamy cheese, bacon, and green onions, then sneaks in almonds for a little surprise crunch.
    Maggie Meyer Glisan, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • While Iguaran was waiting for relatives to send more cash, and earning small amounts of money working odd jobs, the men who operate the fishing boats transporting migrants to Colombia cut him a break.
    Daniel Gonzalez, AZCentral.com, 6 Nov. 2025
  • That case should get started in late November, with Zwerner placed in the odd position — in terms of personal financial gain — of seeking Parker’s acquittal.
    Gary Grumbach, NBC news, 6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • But the company is back on a strong growth trajectory, fueled by the AI boom that could possibly disrupt the antiquated insurance industry that has incumbents with large market share, but are slow to evolve.
    Todd Gordon, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2025
  • On the other hand, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a backup cam kept the cheap sports car from feeling too antiquated to bear.
    Charles Singh, USA Today, 27 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Quaint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quaint. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on quaint

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