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 But World Liberty makes renting hotel rooms look quaint by comparison. Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 14 May 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 The notion that China and Russia are just competitors is quaint but wrong. Michael Miklaucic, Twin Cities, 5 Apr. 2025 And the government’s portrayal of the situation was quaint, if not fanciful. Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 13 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for quaint
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quaint
Adjective
  • This bizarre tale about being picked up by bounty hunters, taken to an unmarked warehouse without access to food, water or an attorney were clearly fabricated.
    Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025
  • Alicia Hannah-Kim is breaking her silence after a bizarre incident with Cobra Kai costar Martin Kove earlier this month resulted in him being removed from a fan event for biting her.
    Mekishana Pierre, EW.com, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • Her aunt doesn’t have time to take her sightseeing, her cousin Céline is cool and dismissive, and her grandmother, who runs an antique shop, is distraught when a precious family heirloom—a drawing by Matisse—goes missing.
    Caroline Carlson June 30, Literary Hub, 30 June 2025
  • Walking inside, you’re met with period details that anchor the home in its early 20th-century roots: antique doors, wrought iron railings, hardwood floors, and lofty ceilings create a warm, timeless atmosphere.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • Ali spends a good chunk of time confused by the strange words whirling around him.
    Christopher J. Yates July 9, Literary Hub, 9 July 2025
  • Nevertheless, the combination of strange email address and unrecognizable link address is a very strong indicator that this email is fake and should be binned.
    Barry Collins, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
Adjective
  • But don’t several vintage sitcoms from the era feature a largely unrecognized subversive or off-the-wall quality?
    Chris Reed, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 July 2025
  • Or, grab these classic Reebok sneakers with a vintage look, and these soft New Balance low tops that offer support all day.
    Shalwah Evans, People.com, 6 July 2025
Adjective
  • Make funny faces, play peek-a-boo, take them for a walk around the neighborhood.
    Lauryn Higgins, Parents, 7 July 2025
  • Their loyalty and love for each other is rewarded just by being cooler and funnier than anyone else around.
    Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 7 July 2025
Adjective
  • With Low Life, the streamer appears to be leaning into retro noir stylings and anti-hero dynamics, aiming to replicate the international appeal of Big Bet and Narco-Saints.
    Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 26 June 2025
  • Amid all the showmanship on Thursday, hosted by a faux Austin Powers, there will be retro music and dancing.
    Ben Crandell, Sun Sentinel, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • Juve haven’t looked genuine title contenders in Italy for half a decade, and the current side is a mismatch of talented youth and odd signings.
    Emmet Gates, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • The odd creature turned out to be a new species of dragon millipede, according to a study published June 25 in the journal Invertebrate Systematics.
    Lauren Liebhaber, Miami Herald, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • Murkowski, however, told Thune and the administration all along that tightening eligibility and work requirements for public benefits wouldn’t work for her state’s antiquated system.
    Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 1 July 2025
  • The hospital also had antiquated wiring in the operating room, necessitating an upgrade as new technology has become available to support surgeries.
    Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 26 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on quaint

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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