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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 Each offers a unique set of nutrients to include in a healthy diet. Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 30 Sep. 2025 Along the way to mainstream adoption, Czinger plans to produce world-beating hypercars starting with the 21C, a unique 1+1 that already set lap records at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca and Circuit of the Americas on road-legal Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R tires. Ben Oliver, Robb Report, 30 Sep. 2025 The efficiencies gained through the unique printing process also help save resources, and can shave off costs. Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 30 Sep. 2025 Some of Taco Bell’s cantinas in other states offer a unique vibe. Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 30 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unique
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unique
Adjective
  • News about the meeting broke Thursday, and no reason was initially provided for the unusual gathering.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 28 Sep. 2025
  • Something tat the grand jury already decided on one count, which is very, very un -- very, very unusual for a grand jury.
    ABC News, ABC News, 28 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • CEOs and global leaders will gather for a dynamic, invitation-only event shaping the future of business.
    Jason Ma, Fortune, 29 Sep. 2025
  • All alone in a mind-bending prison, his only chance for escape is teamwork — with himself.
    Justin Kroll, Deadline, 29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • In fact, acute gastrointestinal illness is fairly uncommon on cruise ships, the agency says.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Devine noted that tariffs on cotton imports are uncommon in textile producing countries since the nations want to support the sector.
    Sarah Jones, Sourcing Journal, 30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • More than any other change, this one act cemented Twitter’s new identity as a right-wing media platform that acted as an extension of Musk’s own political beliefs, paranoid suspicions, midnight musings and personal interests.
    Jacob Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Every budgeting article is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of personal finance products.
    Andreina Rodriguez, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Occasionally, the texts mention our extraordinary political moment.
    Sarah Stankorb, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
  • This extraordinary collection of two volumes of poems and a third of prose shows the empathy, intuition, and exquisite use of the natural world that make Oliver the heiress of Emerson and Thoreau.
    AudioFile Magazine September 30, Literary Hub, 30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The New York Knicks have a golden opportunity to do something special this season.
    Robert Marvi, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
  • The pair both marked the milestone by sharing professional couple photos on Instagram, along with special tributes to each other.
    Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 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
  • Appearing on many occasions in layered mixed jewelry, long locs accessorized with cowrie shells, or a shapely afro in her earlier life, Shakur represented an eclectic, personalized form of Afrocentric style.
    Essence, Essence, 26 Sep. 2025
  • In addition to the fee for a new plate and the additional fee for one of the specialty plates, there is a $30 fee to request a new personalized plate or a $15 fee to renew a personalized plate.
    Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 26 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Unique.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unique. Accessed 4 Oct. 2025.

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