1
2
3
4

Synonym Chooser

How is the word singular distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of singular are eccentric, erratic, odd, outlandish, peculiar, quaint, strange, and unique. While all these words mean "departing from what is ordinary, usual, or to be expected," singular suggests individuality or puzzling strangeness.

a singular feeling of impending disaster

In what contexts can eccentric take the place of singular?

While in some cases nearly identical to singular, eccentric suggests a wide divergence from the usual or normal especially in behavior.

the eccentric eating habits of preschoolers

When could erratic be used to replace singular?

The words erratic and singular are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, erratic stresses a capricious and unpredictable wandering or deviating.

a friend's suddenly erratic behavior

When might odd be a better fit than singular?

The meanings of odd and singular largely overlap; however, odd applies to a departure from the regular or expected.

an odd sense of humor

When is outlandish a more appropriate choice than singular?

Although the words outlandish and singular have much in common, outlandish applies to what is uncouth, bizarre, or barbaric.

outlandish fashions of the time

Where would peculiar be a reasonable alternative to singular?

While the synonyms peculiar and singular are close in meaning, peculiar implies a marked distinctiveness.

the peculiar status of America's first lady

When is it sensible to use quaint instead of singular?

The synonyms quaint and singular are sometimes interchangeable, but quaint suggests an old-fashioned but pleasant oddness.

a quaint fishing village

When would strange be a good substitute for singular?

The words strange and singular can be used in similar contexts, but 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 singular?

In some situations, the words unique and singular are roughly equivalent. 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 singular In emoji, Japan’s singular aesthetic traditions—manga and anime, in particular—achieved a form of universality. Megan Garber, The Atlantic, 29 June 2025 If nothing else, the headline-garnering Dixon litigation may direct a klieg light to other aspects of Perry’s singular production machine. Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 27 June 2025 Chef Zabala has a singular vision and has guided his team to produce a culinary experience that is hands down stunning. Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2025 The people of Altadena know that while their loss feels singular, their pain is not unique. Seyward Darby, Longreads, 25 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for singular
Recent Examples of Synonyms for singular
Adjective
  • Outstanding Actress in a Limited Series Cristin Milioti in The Penguin Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series Deirdre O’Connell in The Penguin Cristin is just so extraordinary, and she’s always been extraordinary.
    Joe Reid, Vulture, 27 June 2025
  • The process of making this film has been so extraordinary to me and totally reframed the narrative for me.
    Yvonne Villarreal, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • Thanks to the rapid ascension of brands like Ganni and Saks Potts in recent years, Danish fashion has become a global sensation with its unusual silhouettes, playful colors and patterns, and effortless, bike-ready vibe.
    Stephanie Sporn, Vogue, 1 July 2025
  • There was an unusual silence surrounding Sacramento’s apparent acquisition of Dennis Schroder on Monday after the Kings reportedly reached an agreement with the free agent point guard.
    Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • That personal story drove Johnson’s decision to build a career working with assault survivors.
    Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 29 June 2025
  • The calendar overflows, and space for strategic thinking evaporates while personal well-being is pushed to the margins.
    Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025
Adjective
  • The only Cuban natives with more homers were Rafael Palmiero (569) and Jose Canseco (480).
    Chuck Murr, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
  • Merrell Women's Moab 3 Mid Hiking Shoes Merrell Men's Moab 3 Hiking Shoes Unsurprisingly, my brother and I aren’t the only fans of these hiking shoes.
    Rebecca Shinners, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2025
Adjective
  • Bouygues-Murphy The central tunnel's three-lane design is notable for a unique underdeck systems arrangement.
    Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 July 2025
  • While all the locations will have signature LPM dishes, each of the new openings will be unique.
    Rachel Dube, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025
Adjective
  • About 46 novas per year explode in the Milky Way—but since many are very far away, spotting one with the naked eye in the night sky is uncommon.
    Elizabeth Gamillo, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 July 2025
  • And on purely residential streets, that type of building is uncommon since many houses don't have separate bases.
    Sydney Franklin, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
Adjective
  • Recommendation letters remain deeply subjective and often reflect access to elite mentors more than actual ability.
    Leadership Brainery, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • The result was that, for much of the 1970s, the justices literally had to meet in the basement of the Supreme Court to watch pornographic movies that were the subject of prosecutions, in order to make subjective calls about which movies should be protected by the First Amendment.
    Ian Millhiser, Vox, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • Drinkwater didn't make one appearance in a Chelsea shirt last season, whilst Bakayoko spent the season in Italy on loan at AC Milan.
    SI.com, SI.com, 3 Aug. 2019
  • Decisions made by engineers today, in other words, will determine not how one car drives but how all cars drive.
    Johannes Himmelreich, BostonGlobe.com, 30 Mar. 2018

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Singular.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/singular. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on singular

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!