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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 Subscribe to our free newsletter to get your unique weekly horoscope delivered straight to your inbox. Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 7 Oct. 2025 Ginger’s potent anti-inflammatory properties come from unique phenolic compounds, including gingerols and shogaols. Jillian Kubala, Health, 7 Oct. 2025 Every person’s body is unique and just like how everyone’s periods are different, so is everyone’s menopausal transition. Katherine Speller, Flow Space, 7 Oct. 2025 This design from Kate Spade makes for a unique wedding gift with its squiggly vibe. Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 7 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unique
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unique
Adjective
  • This is not particularly unusual, and in a traditional 4-2-3-1 system, forcing a team down one side is effective.
    Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
  • The lawsuit is the first to challenge the administration's unusual use of partisan messaging in government communications during the shutdown, which legal experts told NPR may violate federal ethics laws.
    Shannon Bond, NPR, 5 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • When quitting feels like the only option For Khris Rogers, the symptoms that consumed her during perimenopause stole her ability to keep her job.
    Laura Trujillo, USA Today, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Kaprizov, Spurgeon and Brodin weren’t the only players from the current roster to make the cut.
    Michael Russo, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • During this process, scientists look at the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine, testing it first in small groups to assess safety, then in larger groups to confirm protection and detect uncommon side effects.
    David Higgins, The Conversation, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Side effects are uncommon in healthy people and may include symptoms like gas and bloating.
    Kirstyn Hill, Health, 6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • We, in collaboration with our partners, store and/or access information on a user's device, including but not limited to IP addresses, unique identifiers, and browsing data stored in cookies, in order to process personal data.
    Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Shop Apple AirTags, personal safety alarms, anti-theft bags, and more essentials while they’re marked down up to 56 percent off.
    Aly Walansky, Travel + Leisure, 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • As a result, Ecuador has avoided the extraordinary inflation that has afflicted so many nations in South America, including Argentina.
    Shawn Tully, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Created in her honor, this rose symbolizes her lifelong mission to protect people, animals, and the environment, offering gardeners a living reminder of her extraordinary impact and enduring message of hope.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Make no mistake, though, this footballing mecca, where the turnstiles closed for the final time 25 years ago this week, was a truly special place.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Receiving that nomination, specifically for that album, was just so special.
    Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Jonathan was so funny and quick-witted for such a young kid.
    Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Having this really intense action scene, and then all of a sudden a joke, a funny moment.
    H. Alan Scott, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Others want to create a personalized information panel that combines weather, reminders, to-do lists, and even news.
    William Jones, USA Today, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Through this approach, ACE is steadily becoming a recognizable name in the world of private aviation while maintaining its dedication to personalized service and long-term relationships.
    Wyles Daniel, AZCentral.com, 2 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Unique.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unique. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on unique

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