singular

adjective

ˈsiŋ-gyə-lər How to pronounce singular (audio)
Definition of singularnext
1
as in extraordinary
being out of the ordinary the novelist's singular command of the language makes her a compelling voice in contemporary fiction

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in unusual
noticeably different from what is generally found or experienced appearing on the game show has been the most singular experience of my life

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3
as in personal
of, relating to, or belonging to a single person preserving our national heritage is not a singular responsibility but our collective duty

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4
as in only
being the one or ones of a class with no other members this crime was a singular case, and using it as a reason for revising the criminal code would be ill-advised

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Supporting characters, many of whom remain overly one-dimensional, are seen through a singular lens. —Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 25 July 2025 The reaction from the crowd reverberated outside the doors of the cavernous room as the footage appeared, marking the first look at the fifth and final season of Eric Kripke’s singular superhero series. —Patrick Hipes, Deadline, 25 July 2025 From Sam Smith’s tender new ballad to Lola Young’s angsty anthem, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below: Since the start of their career over a decade ago, Sam Smith became known, primarily, for their singular voice. —Stephen Daw, Billboard, 25 July 2025 One singular melon starts at $138, two melons go for $268 and three melons cost $384 (taxes and shipping not included). —Skyler Caruso, People.com, 15 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for singular
Recent Examples of Synonyms for singular
  1. extraordinary
  2. unusual
  3. personal
  4. only
  5. unique
  6. uncommon
  7. subjective
  8. one
Adjective
  • The path to extraordinary results starts with recognizing what already comes naturally to you.
    — Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
  • While the star attractions, Hidden Dune and Star Dune, tower approximately 750 feet above the valley floor, one of the park’s extraordinary features is Medano Creek, a seasonal stream that emerges in spring and early summer.
    — Taryn White, Travel + Leisure, 20 July 2025
Definition of extraordinary
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
Definition of unusual
Adjective
  • Contact personal finance columnist Susan Tompor: stompor@freepress.com.
    — Susan Tompor, Freep.com, 24 July 2025
  • Clint Eastwood is as impersonal a personal filmmaker as modern Hollywood has to offer.
    — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 23 July 2025
Definition of personal
Adjective
  • Guests are led behind a velvet curtain and through a hidden bookcase into the NAVI lounge inside Post Oak Hotel, the only Forbes Five-Star hotel in Texas.
    — Lanee Lee, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
  • The winner of the championship is not the only concern; in a full season format, 2nd has value over 4th has value over 10th has value over 17th.
    — Jeff Gluck, New York Times, 31 July 2025
Definition of only
Adjective
  • From a dive bar near Findlay Market to a 1930s architectural masterpiece, each is unique in its own way.
    — Keith Pandolfi, The Enquirer, 31 July 2025
  • While geese and sandhill cranes have similar parenting styles, allowing their hatchlings to be fairly independent, Lacy noted unique challenges that come with this unusual family dynamic.
    — Laura Schulte, jsonline.com, 31 July 2025
Definition of unique
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
Definition of uncommon
Adjective
  • However, a driver is not legally obligated to submit to a field sobriety test, pre-arrest test or cheek swab at a DUI checkpoint, according to the Law Offices of Grech and Parker in Riverside. Field sobriety tests are subjective and may not accurately measure sobriety, according to Bee archives.
    — Sarah Linn, Sacbee.com, 25 July 2025
  • When that happens, AI will have enough self-awareness and consciousness to have conscious subjective feelings and so be able to make an executive decision on how to manage the politeness vs. processing power balance.
    — Adrian Bridgwater, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
Definition of subjective
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
Definition of one

Browse Nearby Words

sings (out)
singular
singularities
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Cite this Entry

“Singular.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/singular. Accessed 3 Aug. 2025.

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