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Synonym Chooser

How is the word singular distinct from other similar adjectives?

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

a singular feeling of impending disaster

In what contexts can eccentric take the place of singular?

While in some cases nearly identical to singular, 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 singular?

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

a friend's suddenly erratic behavior

When might odd be a better fit than singular?

The meanings of odd and singular largely overlap; however, odd applies to a departure from the regular or expected.

an odd sense of humor

When is outlandish a more appropriate choice than singular?

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

outlandish fashions of the time

Where would peculiar be a reasonable alternative to singular?

While the synonyms peculiar and singular are close in meaning, peculiar implies a marked distinctiveness.

the peculiar status of America's first lady

When is it sensible to use quaint instead of singular?

The synonyms quaint and singular are sometimes interchangeable, but quaint suggests an old-fashioned but pleasant oddness.

a quaint fishing village

When would strange be a good substitute for singular?

The words strange and singular can be used in similar contexts, but strange stresses unfamiliarity and may apply to the foreign, the unnatural, the unaccountable.

a journey filled with strange sights

When can unique be used instead of singular?

In some situations, the words unique and singular are roughly equivalent. However, 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 singular Local food in Hawai‘i is singular, defined by the natural merging of flavors across the islands’ many diasporas. The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 Sep. 2025 For a country still reckoning with the brutality of its dark past, the trial of several high ranking military officers in a civilian court is a singular achievement. Adriana Carranca, Time, 12 Sep. 2025 But the template had been set, Paris was marked as a shorthand for the pinnacle of female achievement—only the most stylish, successful, and generally it would be summoned there—and established as the option only a truly singular love could outshine. Megan Angelo, Glamour, 11 Sep. 2025 Travis is a perfect addition to the rogue gallery of guys Rahill consistently plays across social media — hilarious and singular character studies of very particular and deeply cringey types of dude, replete with his trademark grin. Justin Caffier, Vulture, 10 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for singular
Recent Examples of Synonyms for singular
Adjective
  • These systems offer extraordinary capabilities for climate modeling, resource optimization and ecological monitoring.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
  • But parents still have extraordinary power and influence to help their sons navigate the confusing digital messaging onslaught found on their social media feeds.
    Ashleigh N. DeLuca, Parents, 16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • This is an unusual feature for a screen that’s designed for color-critical design tasks.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
  • When Macron was here, Mick Jagger was there with his girlfriend, which is quite unusual.
    Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Celebrity contestants are taking the stage with personal anthem performances, launching a new season of competition and fan voting.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025
  • As the Color of the Year phenomenon continues to drive kitchen design trends, with brands like KitchenAid announcing their own shade annually, consumers are increasingly reaching for colorful cookware as a way to express their personal style.
    Heather Riske, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski was the only Republican to vote against Miran in the final Senate vote.
    Adeola Adeosun Robert Birsel, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Gone is the time when your only options were liquid or powder, full or light coverage.
    Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • After the shell is created, it is filled with a unique silicone gel, which helps give the implant a soft, natural look and feel.
    Megan McIntyre, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
  • The Hilfigers have lived in many places from Manhattan to the Caribbean island of Mustique, and each of their homes is different and exudes a unique approach to design and life.
    Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The country’s midterm elections were approaching, and violence around elections was not uncommon.
    Vann R. Newkirk II, The Atlantic, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Adam Goldstein of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression said that’s not uncommon, and all experts agreed the number of people participating in this effort is largely unheard of.
    Cate Charron, IndyStar, 15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • But what other, more-restrictive standard could Treasury use that doesn’t risk running afoul of the statutory guidance based on a bureaucrat’s subjective judgment?
    Ben Ritz, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • But a subjective review of IL assignments over the past five years suggests this wave of early-September injuries is more notable than in recent seasons.
    Chad Jennings, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Drinkwater didn't make one appearance in a Chelsea shirt last season, whilst Bakayoko spent the season in Italy on loan at AC Milan.
    SI.com, SI.com, 3 Aug. 2019
  • Decisions made by engineers today, in other words, will determine not how one car drives but how all cars drive.
    Johannes Himmelreich, BostonGlobe.com, 30 Mar. 2018

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Cite this Entry

“Singular.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/singular. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

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