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unique characteristics
distinctive characteristics
peculiar characteristics
specific characteristics
special characteristics
especial characteristics
a unique design
a distinct design
a distinctive design
an exclusive design
an unparalleled design
an unprecedented design
a unique perspective
an exclusive perspective
an original perspective
a distinct perspective
an unusual perspective
a different perspective
a unique situation
an unusual situation
an uncommon situation
an unparalleled situation
an exceptional situation
an unprecedented situation

Synonym Chooser

How is the word unique distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of unique are eccentric, erratic, odd, outlandish, peculiar, quaint, singular, and strange. While all these words mean "departing from what is ordinary, usual, or to be expected," unique implies singularity and the fact of being without a known parallel.

a career unique in the annals of science

When would eccentric be a good substitute for unique?

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

the eccentric eating habits of preschoolers

When can erratic be used instead of unique?

The meanings of erratic and unique largely overlap; however, erratic stresses a capricious and unpredictable wandering or deviating.

a friend's suddenly erratic behavior

Where would odd be a reasonable alternative to unique?

The words odd and unique are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, odd applies to a departure from the regular or expected.

an odd sense of humor

When is it sensible to use outlandish instead of unique?

In some situations, the words outlandish and unique are roughly equivalent. However, outlandish applies to what is uncouth, bizarre, or barbaric.

outlandish fashions of the time

When could peculiar be used to replace unique?

The synonyms peculiar and unique are sometimes interchangeable, but peculiar implies a marked distinctiveness.

the peculiar status of America's first lady

When might quaint be a better fit than unique?

Although the words quaint and unique have much in common, quaint suggests an old-fashioned but pleasant oddness.

a quaint fishing village

When is singular a more appropriate choice than unique?

The words singular and unique can be used in similar contexts, but singular suggests individuality or puzzling strangeness.

a singular feeling of impending disaster

In what contexts can strange take the place of unique?

While the synonyms strange and unique are close in meaning, strange stresses unfamiliarity and may apply to the foreign, the unnatural, the unaccountable.

a journey filled with strange sights

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 unique Samuel Axon The Anno games have a unique identity, and there's a lot to learn for new players, even if those players have played other city builders or economic sims (though, of course, prior background won't hurt). ArsTechnica, 19 May 2025 While the situations in the play are unique, the relationship the characters have — seeing each other every day but never bothering to scratch below the surface to learn more about one another — is plausible. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 May 2025 Beaches were evaluated across eight criteria, including unique characteristics, wildlife, natural soundtrack, ease of water entry, and lack of overcrowding. Passport By Forbeslife, Forbes.com, 3 May 2025 My recommendations are not an attempt to promote specific investment behavior or trading advice, but to guide and inform readers about popular and unique cards that are celebrated by the sports card community. Tyler Holzhammer, New York Times, 3 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for unique
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unique
Adjective
  • By considering factors such as body shapes, personal preferences, specific occasions, lifestyle needs, and even subtle style nuances, Gensmo generates actionable, individualized style recommendations tailored precisely to each user.
    Jon Stojan, USA Today, 13 May 2025
  • Natural foods and personal care goods firm Hain Celestial Group selected Alison E. Lewis to serve as interim president and CEO, effective May 7.
    Megan Poinski, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
Adjective
  • In that respect, Alonso is not necessarily unusual.
    Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 15 May 2025
  • Kehoe’s hands-on involvement with the proposal, which is unusual for a sitting governor, poses a big test of his political clout after spending years as a prominent Jefferson City businessman.
    Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 14 May 2025
Adjective
  • In their efforts to nourish their families, many overlook their personal needs until the only available option is a quiet act of rebellion through food.
    Christine Michel Carter, Parents, 20 May 2025
  • The Bay Area isn’t the only U.S. city seeing massive growth.
    Duncan Madden, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
Adjective
  • Then again, this drought is uncommon for the 22-year-old center fielder.
    Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 May 2025
  • Flares of this magnitude are uncommon, the service added.
    Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • Competing against 12 choirs from across California — including teams from Los Angeles County, Visalia, Sacramento, and San Diego — as well as schools from Arizona and Nevada, the young ensemble scored an extraordinary 99 out of 100 points, according to a news release.
    News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 May 2025
  • The Film Festival has a unique setting with wonderful films and extraordinary events.
    Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • Other special guests will include Del Water Gap, The Warning, Alvvays, Hope Tala, Sir Chloe, Royel Otis, Flowerovlove, Magdalena Bay, and Alemeda at select dates.
    Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 9 May 2025
  • Another exciting idea is to use disposable cameras instead of phones to capture those special moments.
    Ronny Maye, Forbes.com, 9 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
  • Coffee taste is subjective, and this super-rich and caramel-forward blend is extremely drinkable and reminds me of working from the coffee shop down the street from my house.
    Joe Jackson, Outside Online, 12 May 2025
  • However, a driver is not legally obligated to submit to a field sobriety test, pre-arrest test or cheek swab at a DUI checkpoint, according to the Law Offices of Grech and Parker in Riverside. Field sobriety tests are subjective and may not accurately measure sobriety, according to Bee archives.
    Sarah Linn, Sacbee.com, 9 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Unique.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unique. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

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