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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 The European Space Agency (ESA) is preparing for a unique opportunity to study the interstellar comet 3I/Atlas from what could be the best vantage point in the solar system. Andrew Jones, Space.com, 3 Sep. 2025 Hunter is a unique and rare player who is likely to be utilized in many facets of the game. James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025 The engine behind this innovation is DefiantLA’s unique team structure. Jason Phillips, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025 Each incident is unique and may call for different tactics, depending on the situation, Bower said. Elena Santa Cruz, AZCentral.com, 3 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unique
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unique
Adjective
  • Because our mulch is rubber, this seemed unusual, and out of caution, the guardian was called immediately.
    Latoya Gayle, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Routh, who is representing himself, has filed unusual motions requesting strippers and a golf round with the president.
    Kinsey Crowley, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The only exception was the 2019 AFCON quarter-final, when Troost-Ekong struck an 89th-minute winner for the Super Eagles.
    Sindiswa Mabunda, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • As of this writing, Williams was 10-of-11 with 86 passing yards and 30 rushing yards, including his team's only touchdown.
    Matthew Couden, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Harmful behaviors are not an uncommon occurrence in Indiana schools.
    IndyStar, IndyStar, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Design What Lincoln equipped on the Nautilus loaned to me was a standard list of luxury options, coupled with some more uncommon ones.
    Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • HaiFry brings a taste of Osaka to Louisville Cranston explains that for Masabuchi — who owns both Dragon King’s Daughter locations and Germantown bar Kaiju — HaiFry is deeply personal.
    Lennie Omalza, The Courier-Journal, 3 Sep. 2025
  • She was ultimately charged with one class B misdemeanor for electronic communications harassment, and two more class B misdemeanors for electronic disclosure of personal identifying information.
    Ryan Coleman September 2, EW.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Jacqueline Burnett and David Schultz’s extraordinary careers at Hubbard Street date back to 2009.
    Lauren Warnecke, Chicago Tribune, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Astronomers made the rare and extraordinary discovery of an interstellar object in our own solar system on July 1, 2025, sparking a scramble to study the mysterious visitor.
    Andrew Jones, Space.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The oxygen and nitrogen molecules also emit ultraviolet light, which can only be detected by special cameras on satellites.
    Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Adding just a few scalloped items can transform an everyday setting into something special and inviting.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Several commenters expressed their support for him, saying emphatic no’s and doubling down on how funny the skit was.
    Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 4 Sep. 2025
  • The show has captured the world’s imagination with its charming, funny, and relatable observations about everyday family life.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • When enabled, the feature allows Google to collect your search and activity history and provide personalized search results and ads.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Nutritional biomarkers, including the levels of Vitamin D and B12, meanwhile, can help inform personalized dietary guidance for a longer health span.
    Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 4 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on unique

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