1
2
3
4

Try This Instead

For
Try This
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 The width of this park varies as its borders extend in some areas to create a series of distinct pockets enveloped by nature for diverse activities, fostering a unique sense of place at every turn. New Atlas, 24 June 2025 The Dream Glow and Peaches 'n Cream Barbies The Dream Glow Barbie, released in 1985, is especially beloved for her unique glow-in-the-dark dress. Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 2025 Using strong, unique passwords for each account reduces the risk that a single breach could give someone access to multiple sources of your personal information. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 24 June 2025 Who wouldn’t want content that’s relevant to their unique interests instead of a mess of irrelevant junk? Andrew Luttrell, Time, 24 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for unique
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unique
Adjective
  • Now, another unusual way to grab hiring managers attention is going viral: Sneaking your resume into a box of donuts.
    Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 20 June 2025
  • Is there a relationship between writing and fiction and unusual height?
    Jane Smiley June 20, Literary Hub, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • How to watch 'Love Island USA' Season 7 New episodes come out on Peacock each night Thursday to Tuesday at 9 p.m. ET, meaning the only day without a new episode is Wednesday.
    Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 25 June 2025
  • Edgecombe, 19, averaged 15 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.2 assists for Baylor in his only collegiate season.
    Tony Jones, New York Times, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • Every great American story is sentimental in the same way: instincts born out of struggle, the triumph of the schoolyard over the classroom, uncommon creativity driven by necessity.
    Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 23 June 2025
  • That’s not an uncommon sight for K-pop superstars, as their massive followings understand how the charts work and focus their energy on pushing a title as high as possible in its first frame.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
Adjective
  • Treasured items like heirlooms and family mementos deserve a spotlight, so clearing clutter makes room to honor your personal history and pass down meaningful stories.
    Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 29 June 2025
  • That personal story drove Johnson’s decision to build a career working with assault survivors.
    Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 29 June 2025
Adjective
  • Outstanding Actress in a Limited Series Cristin Milioti in The Penguin Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series Deirdre O’Connell in The Penguin Cristin is just so extraordinary, and she’s always been extraordinary.
    Joe Reid, Vulture, 27 June 2025
  • These bargain hunters will sometimes go to extraordinary lengths to find a deal.
    Linnea Geiss, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • Musk, who served in a special White House post that ended May 30, became sharply critical of Trump’s package of legislative priorities that congressional agencies have said will raise deficit spending and the national debt.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 26 June 2025
  • That bond is what makes this so special every summer.
    Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • McGrath's older brother and two of her younger sisters described her as funny, sarcastic, full of life and so caring that the homeless in her neighborhood greeted her by name.
    Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 25 June 2025
  • There’s definitely something funny going on with the Universe.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • This year’s lineup showcases an exceptional slate of films representing both the Hudson region and international perspectives, reflecting the festival’s belief in the unifying power of cinema.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 25 June 2025
  • Danny Boyle is a director known for his exceptional use of music to score key — and now iconic — scenes in his films.
    Alex Ritman, Variety, 25 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unique.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unique. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on unique

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!