peculiar

adjective

pi-ˈkyül-yər How to pronounce peculiar (audio)
Definition of peculiarnext
1
as in unusual
being out of the ordinary a writer with a peculiar talent for capturing the feel of everyday conversation

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2
as in strange
different from the ordinary in a way that causes curiosity or suspicion a peculiar and catlike way of walking

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3
as in uncommon
noticeably different from what is generally found or experienced a peculiar response to a polite query about his health

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4
as in personal
of, relating to, or belonging to a single person his peculiar way of talking

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5
as in distinctive
serving to identify as belonging to an individual or group the koala is peculiar to Australia

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6
as in specific
of a particular or exact sort a psychopathic killer who took peculiar delight in torturing his victims

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word peculiar distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of peculiar are eccentric, erratic, odd, outlandish, quaint, singular, strange, and unique. While all these words mean "departing from what is ordinary, usual, or to be expected," peculiar implies a marked distinctiveness.

the peculiar status of America's first lady

In what contexts can eccentric take the place of peculiar?

While in some cases nearly identical to peculiar, eccentric suggests a wide divergence from the usual or normal especially in behavior.

the eccentric eating habits of preschoolers

When could erratic be used to replace peculiar?

The words erratic and peculiar are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, erratic stresses a capricious and unpredictable wandering or deviating.

a friend's suddenly erratic behavior

When is odd a more appropriate choice than peculiar?

The synonyms odd and peculiar are sometimes interchangeable, but odd applies to a departure from the regular or expected.

an odd sense of humor

When would outlandish be a good substitute for peculiar?

The meanings of outlandish and peculiar largely overlap; however, outlandish applies to what is uncouth, bizarre, or barbaric.

outlandish fashions of the time

When is it sensible to use quaint instead of peculiar?

Although the words quaint and peculiar have much in common, quaint suggests an old-fashioned but pleasant oddness.

a quaint fishing village

Where would singular be a reasonable alternative to peculiar?

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

a singular feeling of impending disaster

When can strange be used instead of peculiar?

In some situations, the words strange and peculiar are roughly equivalent. However, 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 peculiar?

While the synonyms unique and peculiar are close in meaning, 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 peculiar Auberge Resorts Collection also has a peculiar history. —Sofia Celeste, WWD, 26 Feb. 2025 The naming of Gleason as acting administrator of DOGE came about suddenly and in peculiar circumstances. —David Ingram, NBC News, 25 Feb. 2025 But Ben isn’t the only one afflicted by this peculiar condition — apparently the bug is contagious. —Claire Franken, TVLine, 23 Feb. 2025 Cats, known for their mischievous and inquisitive nature, often develop peculiar habits, and this particular feline's nightly ritual has resonated with audiences. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 17 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for peculiar
Recent Examples of Synonyms for peculiar
  1. unusual
  2. strange
  3. uncommon
  4. personal
  5. distinctive
  6. specific
  7. extraordinary
  8. bizarre
Adjective
  • Bringing such a case is highly unusual and winning a conviction would be difficult, according to current and former prosecutors.
    — Glenn Thrush, New York Times, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Local meteorologists noted that these events were highly unusual for the region, with historical data showing only sporadic snowfall over the past several decades.
    — Jim Foerster, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
Definition of unusual
Adjective
  • The strange particulars of his passing remain a mystery thus far, but Hackman’s life was lived in quiet defiance of Hollywood fame and the strictures of celebrity.
    — David Sims, The Atlantic, 27 Feb. 2025
  • But these were hound tracks, stretching off through the snow in a strange, dark line.
    — Frank C. Hibben, Outdoor Life, 27 Feb. 2025
Definition of strange
Adjective
  • Conflicting casualty figures are not uncommon in the immediate aftermath of attacks in Syria's 13-year conflict that has killed half a million people.
    — Compiled by Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Though reports of explosions at Iranian military sites are uncommon, past incidents have occurred.
    — Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025
Definition of uncommon
Adjective
  • According to Windsor police, the man admitted to excavating abalone from rocks along the Mendocino County coast near the town of Elk for personal consumption.
    — Suhauna Hussain, Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2025
  • Just before taking his seat, Ramírez shared his personal cinematic style inspirations.
    — Paul Chi, Vogue, 1 Mar. 2025
Definition of personal
Adjective
  • Scientists have observed few interactions of narwhals in their natural habitat, creating speculation about the purpose of the species’ distinctive spiraling tusk.
    — Julianna Bragg, CNN, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Male sharks are also known to bite females during mating, leaving distinctive scars.
    — Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
Definition of distinctive
Adjective
  • While details on the specific death in Lubbock are still unknown, experts have long warned that measles complications that can result in death in children.
    — Neha Mukherjee, CNN, 26 Feb. 2025
  • These ratings don't break down precisely when people are tuning in or specific listener demographics.
    — Justin Kaufmann, Axios, 26 Feb. 2025
Definition of specific
Adjective
  • When these guys become older, their skills will be even more extraordinary.
    — Jeff Benjamin, Billboard, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Between 2019 and 2024, the average age of the fleet rose 2.2 years — an extraordinary increase given the higher retirement rate of aircraft during more than a year of COVID.
    — Oliver Wyman, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
Definition of extraordinary
Adjective
  • Then there’s The Island, a bizarre addition that blends traditional elements of role playing, live service and online multiplayer games together.
    — Joshua Lamb, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
  • 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
Definition of bizarre

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Cite this Entry

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

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