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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 And Musk, with his empire of tech companies and unprecedented wealth, has a singular power to proselytize. Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 28 Oct. 2025 For any team that was struggling like the Jets have this year, there are way more issues than one singular player. Mark Kern, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Oct. 2025 Zardoya shared how an 84-year-old friend of the band had a singular response to the song. Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 24 Oct. 2025 Vogue sat down with McKinley to discuss the timeliness of the show, what makes Keïta’s work so singular, and how design sits at the heart of his photographic oeuvre. Folasade Ologundudu, Vogue, 24 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for singular
Recent Examples of Synonyms for singular
Adjective
  • This secluded, 75-acre Relais & Châteaux property — the first in North America – seamlessly blends rustic simplicity with extraordinary pampering.
    Suzanne Wright, USA Today, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Jennifer Hudson continues to inspire with her extraordinary talent and authenticity; Salli Richardson-Whitfield has evolved into one of the most dynamic directors and executive producers working in television today; and Damson Idris embodies the brilliance and promise of a new generation.
    Beatrice Verhoeven, HollywoodReporter, 28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Bessent, who specialized in foreign exchange in a decades-long hedge fund career, organized a $20 billion foreign-exchange swap with Argentina’s central bank earlier this month — an unusual structure that bypassed the US Federal Reserve, which is typically the lead party in such arrangements.
    Daniel Flatley, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Tucked away in a couple of buildings in Old Town are rows upon rows of colorful artwork, which is not especially unusual for the state historic park.
    Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The alternative story of Helen’s Egyptian detour invites a more critical examination of the relationship between war and story by highlighting the degree to which humans have been conditioned by a narrative that presents war as the ultimate stage for personal and national glory.
    Elizabeth D. Samet, Foreign Affairs, 29 Oct. 2025
  • On a personal note, Variety even led me to the love of my life.
    William Earl, Variety, 28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The only way to end slavery at the founding was to create a federal government empowered to make domestic and foreign policy for the states.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Brady was the only parent home at the time of the drowning.
    Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Its unique formula can remove stains, dissolve adhesives, and cut through soap scum and grease.
    Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Oct. 2025
  • This Boll & Branch set stands apart because of a unique double-button detail and eyelet hemstitching.
    Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Foragers in the know have multiple ginkgo spots around town, but the fruit is relatively uncommon.
    Ariane Lange, Sacbee.com, 28 Oct. 2025
  • While its not uncommon for companies to establish new garment factories, new mills are more challenging.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • But other questions have more subjective answers, like who gets to decide whether the window shade is up or down mid-flight?
    Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Some may be more subjective and others more quantitative.
    AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 23 Oct. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Singular.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/singular. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on singular

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