Synonyms of unique

unique

adjective

yu̇-ˈnēk 

1

as in unusual

being out of the ordinary

the restaurant, specializing in fusion cuisine, provides a truly unique dining experience for those who can afford it

Synonyms & Similar Words

• unusual
• extraordinary
• exceptional
• rare
• outstanding
• uncommon
• remarkable
• abnormal
• odd
• singular
• incredible
• atypical
• phenomenal
• peculiar
• exceeding
• anomalous
• striking
• noticeable
• aberrant
• especial
• unwonted
• notable
• prominent
• freak
• conspicuous
• bizarre
• uncustomary
• salient
• strange
• eccentric
• aberrated
• extraordinaire
• preternatural
• quaint
• weird
• deviant
• outlandish
• oddball
• incomprehensible
• inconceivable
• unimaginable
• freakish
• monstrous
• unthinkable

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• common
• normal
• typical
• ordinary
• usual
• customary
• familiar
• unextraordinary
• unexceptional
• frequent
• everyday

2

as in only

being the one or ones of a class with no other members

the Mapparium, a huge glass globe that visitors can walk through, is unique—there's not another one like it anywhere

Synonyms & Similar Words

• only
• special
• one
• lone
• distinctive
• singular
• sole
• single
• solitary
• distinct
• sui generis
• alone
• unparalleled
• one-off
• matchless
• unrivaled
• inimitable
• incomparable
• unequaled
• peerless
• unmatched
• unsurpassable
• unattended
• unaccompanied
• solo
• unsurpassed
• separate
• individual
• nonce

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• myriad
• varied
• multifarious
• mixed
• miscellaneous
• manifold
• popular
• assorted
• heterogenous
• prevalent
• promiscuous
• prevailing
• divers
• patchwork
• recurrent
• rampant
• perennial
• motley
• repeated

3

as in uncommon

noticeably different from what is generally found or experienced

a unique ability to add large sums in his head

Synonyms & Similar Words

• unusual
• uncommon
• funny
• strange
• rare
• weird
• extraordinary
• peculiar
• curious
• odd
• special
• singular
• bizarre
• out-of-the-way
• offbeat
• remarkable
• queer
• unaccustomed
• eccentric
• exceptional
• abnormal
• uncustomary
• atypical
• outlandish
• noticeable
• oddball
• noteworthy
• particular
• notable
• outré
• kooky
• aberrant
• way-out
• far-out
• irregular
• newsworthy

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• common
• ordinary
• usual
• plain
• normal
• typical
• familiar
• regular
• unexceptional
• predictable
• expected

4

as in personal

of, relating to, or belonging to a single person

a comedian who brings a unique and twisted perspective to contemporary social issues

Synonyms & Similar Words

• personal
• personalized
• subjective
• private
• singular
• individual
• individualized
• particular
• patented
• distinctive
• separate
• peculiar
• idiomatic
• characteristic
• special
• privy
• specific
• idiosyncratic
• intimate
• identifying
• specialized
• independent
• customized
• custom
• express
• especial
• nonconformist
• self-sufficient
• self-directed

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• general
• public
• popular
• universal
• generic
• broad
• widespread
• common
• prevalent
• shared
• typical
• normal
• regular
• prevailing

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

Recent Examples of unique

Such a commitment is hardly unique to one New York administration. — Herbert Block, New York Daily News, 20 Sep. 2026

The American Culture Quiz is a weekly test of our unique national traits, trends, history and people — including the latest news, events and sights and sounds of the United States. — Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 20 Sep. 2026

Many also are addicted to the thrill of the hunt for rare, unique items at a better price. — Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2026

Protection laws vary by country – for instance, a breeder in Japan who wants to prevent their unique variety from being copied in China or South Korea would need to apply for protection separately in those countries. — Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 19 Sep. 2026