idiosyncrasy
noun
id·i·o·syn·cra·sy
ˌi-dē-ə-ˈsiŋ-krə-sē 
plural idiosyncrasies
1
a
: a peculiarity of constitution or temperament : an individualizing characteristic or quality
b
: individual hypersensitiveness (as to a drug or food)
2
: characteristic peculiarity (as of temperament)
broadly
: eccentricity
Examples of idiosyncrasy in a Sentence
Her habit of using “like” in every sentence was just one of her idiosyncrasies.
The current system has a few idiosyncrasies.
Recent Examples on the Web
Whereas Zev might use Jess’s attachment to her phone as an opportunity to tear her down, Felix gives her enough grace to see her idiosyncrasies as no better or worse than anyone else’s.
—
Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 10 July 2025
Episodes are short, just over five minutes at most, and focus on the idiosyncrasies — whether that’s a person, place or phenomenon — that make Naperville, Naperville.
—Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 13 June 2025
Victor then flips back to an earlier chapter, before their graduation, to a time when Agnes seems less calcified in her idiosyncrasies.
—Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2025
Wimbledon is widely considered one of the most prestigious of all tennis Grand Slams, known for its storied grounds, rich traditions, and unique idiosyncrasies.
—Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 24 June 2025
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Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 10 July 2025
Episodes are short, just over five minutes at most, and focus on the idiosyncrasies — whether that’s a person, place or phenomenon — that make Naperville, Naperville.
—Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 13 June 2025
Victor then flips back to an earlier chapter, before their graduation, to a time when Agnes seems less calcified in her idiosyncrasies.
—Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2025
Wimbledon is widely considered one of the most prestigious of all tennis Grand Slams, known for its storied grounds, rich traditions, and unique idiosyncrasies.
—Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for idiosyncrasy
Cite this Entry
“Idiosyncrasy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/idiosyncrasy. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
idiosyncrasy
noun
id·io·syn·cra·sy
ˌid-ē-ə-ˈsiŋ-krə-sē
plural idiosyncrasies
1
: a peculiarity of physical or mental constitution or temperament
2
: individual hypersensitiveness (as to a drug or food)
anemia accompanying the use of a sulfa drug is usually considered to be due to idiosyncrasy
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