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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 Here are the top five things that made Katy Perry’s Austin stop a truly unforgettable, if at times peculiar, pop odyssey: 1. Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025 On one peculiar planet, things don’t quite go as planned. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 25 June 2025 The short clip has melted hearts as the senior pup showed off her peculiar walking preference to over 15 million viewers since being posted earlier this week. Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025 All defenses are determined by state law (with the exception of a loan made by a bank that is later taken over by the FDIC), and of course the various states have their own peculiar defenses to personal guarantees. Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for peculiar
Recent Examples of Synonyms for peculiar
Adjective
  • Their target area was unusual, though: a strip of lawn between the road and a fence bordering Interstate 65, where homeless people have set up about two dozen tents over the first half of this year.
    Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 26 July 2025
  • Summer storms cause travel headaches every year, but these numbers are not unusual.
    Zach Wichter, USA Today, 26 July 2025
Adjective
  • So, the strange powder got a chemical foot in the door.
    David Szondy August 02, New Atlas, 2 Aug. 2025
  • No other high-profile footballer in the world has followed such a strange career arc, one that for at least two years has been leading him, circuitously but inexorably, to Saudi Arabia.
    Liam Twomey, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Now, several weeks of free rent are not uncommon, along with gift cards and other specials to entice renters.
    Beck Andrew Salgado, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
  • Spotty cell service or none at all is not uncommon in parts of Kerr County, northwest of San Antonio.
    Suzanne Gamboa, NBC news, 24 July 2025
Adjective
  • Contact personal finance columnist Susan Tompor: stompor@freepress.com.
    Susan Tompor, Freep.com, 24 July 2025
  • And while smoothie collabs might feel like a gimmicky celebrity trend (synonymous with aspirational wellness and a steep price tag), Klum’s take feels personal — and purposeful.
    Brittany Talarico, People.com, 23 July 2025
Adjective
  • Quantum Computing’s Emerging Capabilities and Threats Quantum computing works by harnessing the distinctive properties of atoms and subatomic particles.
    Chuck Brooks, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
  • The durable Rogers — who has a distinctive submarine delivery — has made 53 appearances this season with a 1.80 ERA, four walks and 38 strikeouts for the San Francisco Giants.
    David Brandt, Chicago Tribune, 31 July 2025
Adjective
  • Each was assigned a specific draft strategy to follow to the best of their ability.
    Jay Felicio, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2025
  • Unlike other streaming platforms, new Neon film releases on Hulu aren’t relegated to a specific day.
    Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • This extraordinary endorsement from the highest levels of government underscores just how mainstream bitcoin has become.
    Billy Bambrough, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2025
  • The Spa The hotel has a small spa with a steam room, sauna, ice bath, and a relaxation room with extraordinary views of the mountains.
    Becky Sunshine, Travel + Leisure, 2 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Sony and Microsoft and the PC world can keep playing the cutting-edge hardware competition while Nintendo luxuriates in its bizarre boutique silo, unbothered, moisturized, in its lane, consistently content with winning its own solo race.
    Mitch Wallace, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025
  • The pair then embark on a harrowing adventure, with Luke slowly turning into the most bizarre father figure ever.
    Elliott Smith, EW.com, 26 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Peculiar.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/peculiar. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on peculiar

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