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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 Recycle discarded fabric scraps with this unique embroidery hoop gallery wall. Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Sep. 2025 This race is completely unique to itself the way that the tires behaved and the race played out, the strategy calls. Joseph Wolkin, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025 Fossil hunting is a hugely popular pastime in Florida, largely thanks to the state's unique geology. Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025 As interest in emerging markets grows, so too has research into their unique challenges and opportunities. Krzysztof Dembek, Harvard Business Review, 16 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unique
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unique
Adjective
  • This is an unusual feature for a screen that’s designed for color-critical design tasks.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
  • When Macron was here, Mick Jagger was there with his girlfriend, which is quite unusual.
    Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski was the only Republican to vote against Miran in the final Senate vote.
    Adeola Adeosun Robert Birsel, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Gone is the time when your only options were liquid or powder, full or light coverage.
    Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The country’s midterm elections were approaching, and violence around elections was not uncommon.
    Vann R. Newkirk II, The Atlantic, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Adam Goldstein of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression said that’s not uncommon, and all experts agreed the number of people participating in this effort is largely unheard of.
    Cate Charron, IndyStar, 15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Celebrity contestants are taking the stage with personal anthem performances, launching a new season of competition and fan voting.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025
  • As the Color of the Year phenomenon continues to drive kitchen design trends, with brands like KitchenAid announcing their own shade annually, consumers are increasingly reaching for colorful cookware as a way to express their personal style.
    Heather Riske, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • These systems offer extraordinary capabilities for climate modeling, resource optimization and ecological monitoring.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
  • But parents still have extraordinary power and influence to help their sons navigate the confusing digital messaging onslaught found on their social media feeds.
    Ashleigh N. DeLuca, Parents, 16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Townshend recalled performing in Chicago at a small club turned roller rink called the Kinetic Playground, 1969 performances with a particularly special opening act.
    Jim Ryan, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
  • Xp Lee won a special election in Minnesota on Tuesday to replace Melissa Hortman, the former speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives, who was assassinated in June.
    Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 17 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Zambians are warm, funny, proud.
    Daniel Scheffler, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Darkly funny and deeply melancholic, the film turns the family estate into a pressure cooker of grief, grudges and reluctant affection.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Baristas—most of whom already felt overwhelmed—now have to wear a black T-shirt and pants, greet customers, scribble personalized messages on each to-go cup, and ideally hand over drinks within four minutes.
    Molly Liebergall, Fortune, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Whether your dog is a picky eater or has specific health requirements, The Farmer’s Dog creates a personalized meal plan that’s delivered straight to your door.
    Kasey Caminiti, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Unique.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unique. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on unique

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