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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 ubiquity of smartphone cameras and easy-to-use editing software made those in possession of the old skills seem almost quaint. Steven Kurutz, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025 And Ljubljana is a really quaint, charming city out of a fairy tale where everything is made of this grand stone in a fantastic architectural style. Billie Cohen, AFAR Media, 13 Feb. 2025 Avoiding pressure from her Taiwanese immigrant parents, future doctor Waverly Liu (Andrea Bang) forgoes a prestigious fellowship to spend the months before her residency in an aggressively quaint Canadian town with her artist aunt. Josh Bell, Vulture, 13 Feb. 2025 Judging by some of the bruising tackles on display, bragging rights still matter hugely, but tempers never threaten to boil over, which somehow feels fitting considering the rather quaint ‘Gentlemen — No Swearing Please’ sign hanging on the side of the dugouts. Richard Sutcliffe, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for quaint
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quaint
Adjective
  • Sinner won a bizarre semifinal in his first tournament back from a three-month doping ban, while Alcaraz triumphed in a sloppy duel.
    Sam Settleman, New York Times, 17 May 2025
  • Known for its deluge of gruesome deaths that just get more bizarre with each iteration, Final Destination is now returning for a sixth movie.
    Rebecca Aizin, People.com, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • So when an overconfident Dedra enters the antique shop on her own to arrest Luthen, and Luthen takes advantage of this to attempt suicide so he can’t be forced to turn on his allies, Kleya is given an impossible but necessary task.
    Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 14 May 2025
  • The event will feature antique cars, food trucks and artisan merchandise.such as handmade pillows, bath items, jewelry, glassware and handmade cards.
    Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • Because of this strange clustering, the Atlantic Shark Institute has posted signs around Narragansett alerting beachgoers to be on the lookout.
    Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
  • The long strange trip is proving to be even longer than anyone thought.
    Marco della Cava, USA Today, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • The fabrics are versatile enough to look polished when washed clean or more relaxed with vintage washes.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 20 May 2025
  • Sentimental family keepsakes such as a pair of baby shoes also make for a lovely display along with a framed photograph or a stack of vintage children's books.
    Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 May 2025
Adjective
  • His translation recognizes, here and throughout, that the original is funny and compelling enough not to need elaborate explanation, even 60 years after its debut.
    Lily Meyer, The Dial, 20 May 2025
  • That’s not to say the film isn’t funny or sweet, but that there is something much more profound and uncomfortable at its heart, and one that poses a tricky challenge for first-time filmmakers Johansson and Kamen.
    Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 20 May 2025
Adjective
  • Over time, the visible Air units in retro versions of the shoe grew increasingly smaller, but this year’s version has been tweaked to (almost) match the look and feel of the originals.
    Riley Jones, Footwear News, 24 May 2025
  • The bright flame shade is the perfect summer red, matching with everything from retro white sneakers to strappy leather sandals or wedges.
    Lane Nieset, Travel + Leisure, 20 May 2025
Adjective
  • Unique creatures, odd animals and new species are discovered across the planet.
    Real-Time news team, Miami Herald, 16 May 2025
  • It was also updated to clarify the role of Victor Ortega-Jiménez in observing the flamingos' odd feeding behavior.
    Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • In an effort to address some of those worries, Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy announced plans to overhaul the antiquated telecommunications, radio and surveillance systems.
    Vanessa Romo, NPR, 14 May 2025
  • Leaks from this antiquated sewer system are polluting Rock Creek and threaten the public health of all those who come in contact with it.
    Dan Gooding Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Quaint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quaint. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

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