eccentric 1 of 2

adjective

ik-ˈsen-trik How to pronounce eccentric (audio)
Definition of eccentricnext
as in bizarre
different from the ordinary in a way that causes curiosity or suspicion his eccentric decorating style isn't going over well with the neighbors

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

eccentric

2 of 2

noun

as in character
a person of odd or whimsical habits an eccentric who designed his house to look like a Scottish castle

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word eccentric distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of eccentric are erratic, odd, outlandish, peculiar, quaint, singular, strange, and unique. While all these words mean "departing from what is ordinary, usual, or to be expected," eccentric suggests a wide divergence from the usual or normal especially in behavior.

the eccentric eating habits of preschoolers

When is erratic a more appropriate choice than eccentric?

While the synonyms erratic and eccentric are close in meaning, erratic stresses a capricious and unpredictable wandering or deviating.

a friend's suddenly erratic behavior

When is it sensible to use odd instead of eccentric?

While in some cases nearly identical to eccentric, odd applies to a departure from the regular or expected.

an odd sense of humor

Where would outlandish be a reasonable alternative to eccentric?

Although the words outlandish and eccentric have much in common, outlandish applies to what is uncouth, bizarre, or barbaric.

outlandish fashions of the time

When could peculiar be used to replace eccentric?

The meanings of peculiar and eccentric largely overlap; however, peculiar implies a marked distinctiveness.

the peculiar status of America's first lady

In what contexts can quaint take the place of eccentric?

In some situations, the words quaint and eccentric are roughly equivalent. However, quaint suggests an old-fashioned but pleasant oddness.

a quaint fishing village

When can singular be used instead of eccentric?

The words singular and eccentric can be used in similar contexts, but singular suggests individuality or puzzling strangeness.

a singular feeling of impending disaster

When would strange be a good substitute for eccentric?

The words strange and eccentric are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, strange stresses unfamiliarity and may apply to the foreign, the unnatural, the unaccountable.

a journey filled with strange sights

When might unique be a better fit than eccentric?

The synonyms unique and eccentric are sometimes interchangeable, but unique implies singularity and the fact of being without a known parallel.

a career unique in the annals of science

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 eccentric
Adjective
If ‘80s London subcultures — punk, New Romantics, Goth, and the Blitz Kids — were placed in a blender, the outcome would look something like Leigh Bowery, the colorfully eccentric and provocative performance artist and club promoter who died 30 years ago. —Hikmat Mohammed, WWD, 20 Feb. 2025 The comedy-drama, which debuts in competition at Berlinale, sees Baier observe an eccentric family. —Callum McLennan, Variety, 17 Feb. 2025
Noun
This business is all about the little eccentrics out there who get lost in the shuffle. —Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 19 Dec. 2024 Also, Joan Cusack plays an infamous local eccentric, and a fictional pop star shows up! —James Mercadante, EW.com, 14 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for eccentric
Recent Examples of Synonyms for eccentric
  1. bizarre
  2. character
  3. strange
  4. oddball
  5. funny
  6. original
  7. weird
  8. weirdo
Adjective
  • The bizarre incident occurred early Tuesday when authorities say a man hopped a metal fence of a home in the 900 block of Wakefield Avenue and set fire to a black sedan in the front yard.
    — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2025
  • The bizarre case of Luigi Mangione should also be considered a needless stain on Baltimore.
    — Baltimore Sun Editorial Board, Baltimore Sun, 6 Mar. 2025
Definition of bizarre
Noun
  • Throughout his career, Tazewell has told the stories of Black and Latino characters through clothing.
    — Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 4 Mar. 2025
  • The game also features a compelling menagerie of humorous side characters to meet on the journey, like a royal monkey who breaks it down on the dance floor, and an adorable talking cat who demands cuddles – or else.
    — Katcy Stephan, Variety, 4 Mar. 2025
Definition of character
Adjective
  • People say Yoko’s art is strange and her music is not very good.
    — Natasha Gural, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Many had wondered what her future held with the company and that her acting like nothing had happened was a little strange.
    — David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Feb. 2025
Definition of strange
Noun
  • Together this oddball quartet sets out to help Michelle’s ultimate quest in finding her brother.
    — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Both director and actor seek to defy tone and expectation, and Pattinson’s performance, using a weird little voice and delivering oddball line readings and inflections, fits perfectly with the auteur’s unique approach to humor and sincerity.
    — Katie Walsh, Boston Herald, 6 Mar. 2025
Definition of oddball
Adjective
  • Know your audience—What one person finds funny, another might not.
    — Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025
  • Not the most memorable, but Myers’s flail-laughing at his own insufferable jokes remains a pretty funny encapsulation of Musk’s self-satisfied riffing.
    — Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 9 Mar. 2025
Definition of funny
Noun
  • Though fire consumed the fourth century original in 1823, the basilica was immediately — and faithfully — reconstructed on its original footprint beside via Ostiense (a half-hour bus ride south of the center).
    — The New York Times, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Mar. 2025
  • Where the original feels bright and youthful, Extradose feels more mature and sophisticated.
    — Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 28 Feb. 2025
Definition of original
Adjective
  • Here Are All The Companies Cutting DEI Programs For over 41 Vineyard Theatre has been making the weird art.
    — Jeryl Brunner, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Both of those fit a mold for an Original Screenplay winner: A Real Pain as the talky Sundance movie; The Substance as the contender that’s a little too weird to win the bigger prizes.
    — Nate Jones, Vulture, 27 Feb. 2025
Definition of weird
Noun
  • Would that generally be your advice to the next weirdo in the cast?
    — Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 20 Feb. 2025
  • Her versatility as a performer laid the groundwork for future legends like Amy Poehler, Kristen Wiig, and Kate McKinnon to embrace their own eccentric weirdos.
    — Dennis Perkins, EW.com, 16 Feb. 2025
Definition of weirdo

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Cite this Entry

“Eccentric.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/eccentric. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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