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 The life of Amílcar Cabral, revolutionary leader of Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde, unfolds in this essayistic documentary, weaving letters, photographs, music, and archival footage into a vivid, striking portrait of a singular political voice. —Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 1 Apr. 2026 The humble fastener has enthralled Chamberlain for years—so much so that a tattoo of a singular button is etched into her upper arm. —Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 1 Apr. 2026 Individual practices remain distinct, yet contribute to a larger, collective framework that emphasizes interdependence over singular authorship. —Olga Garcia-Mayoral, Miami Herald, 31 Mar. 2026 This makes for a singular keyboard that's equally friendly to righties, lefties, and the ambidextrous. —Aubrey Jowers, PC Magazine, 31 Mar. 2026 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
  • Her credits this decade include a complex and crucial supporting part in Mare of Easttown, an Emmy-winning guest appearance on Hacks, a turn opposite Nicolas Cage in Dream Scenario, and a starring role in Annie Baker’s extraordinary indie film Janet Planet.
    — Keith Phipps, Vulture, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Nyad is an extraordinary example, but researchers say a positive attitude is key.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 30 Mar. 2026
Definition of extraordinary
Adjective
  • When a series of tragic failures at New Era Community Health Center left scores of the county’s weakest, poorest and most erratic residents in danger, Florida health inspectors took the unusual step of threatening to shut down the home.
    — Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Many of Barbosa’s followers know him for his unusual feats like holding the Guinness World Record for the fastest visits to every CTA station or sprinting through the United Center during a Bulls game.
    — Audrey Pachuta, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026
Definition of unusual
Adjective
  • Brooks is still wont to assume that social crises are a function of our personal habits, not economic or political injustice, and his methodological tics are the same as ever.
    — Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Wacha kept the Braves off the scoreboard while Salvador Perez provided the offense, hitting his first homer of the season and snapping a personal 15-inning scoreless streak.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 29 Mar. 2026
Definition of personal
Adjective
  • Because the property was given special permission to build here and to date, is the only structure in Gion allowed to be above the legal limit of 39 feet.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Apr. 2026
  • Military police are often the only armed personnel on base, outside of shooting ranges, hunting areas or in training, where soldiers can wield their service weapons without ammunition.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
Definition of only
Adjective
  • The Breakfast Ride and Cowboy Cookout are two unique dining experiences the whole family will love, and adult guests will appreciate the new spa planned for late 2027.
    — Julie Bielenberg, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Smith ties that capacity back to his father’s meticulous personality and appreciation of finer unique things.
    — David Caraccio April 4, Sacbee.com, 4 Apr. 2026
Definition of unique
Adjective
  • How Guthrie will specifically handle her moment cannot yet be known, but those who know her (that The Hollywood Reporter spoke with) say it will surely be done with uncommon levels of grace and professionalism.
    — Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 3 Apr. 2026
  • With attacks on health care workers not uncommon, most safety officers at major Massachusetts hospitals have defensive tools.
    — Cheryl Fiandaca, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
Definition of uncommon
Adjective
  • Ospina gives us access to the actions of these non-human protagonists—inviting us to reflect on their subjective experience and to feel the urgency and promise of their journeys.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 31 Mar. 2026
  • However, the process still remains the critical weak point of modern-day aviation, as predictions rely heavily on subjective and often inaccurate pilot reports.
    — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 31 Mar. 2026
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 5 Apr. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of singular for Spanish Speakers

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