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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 The two had a peculiar conversation where Hawkins said Clifton missed smacking her rear end. Craig Shoup, Nashville Tennessean, 21 Oct. 2025 Because our peculiar bond had such an impact on my future. Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2025 Tudyk brings his vocal versatility to the movie as The Sweet-Toed Toad, one of the story’s most peculiar creatures. Jane Lacroix, PEOPLE, 18 Oct. 2025 The peculiar requirement is an homage to Emma Stone’s character in the film, who is a bald-headed CEO who ends up kidnapped and suspected of being an alien. Andrew McGowan, Variety, 18 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for peculiar
Recent Examples of Synonyms for peculiar
Adjective
  • Bessent, who specialized in foreign exchange in a decades-long hedge fund career, organized a $20 billion foreign-exchange swap with Argentina’s central bank earlier this month — an unusual structure that bypassed the US Federal Reserve, which is typically the lead party in such arrangements.
    Daniel Flatley, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Tucked away in a couple of buildings in Old Town are rows upon rows of colorful artwork, which is not especially unusual for the state historic park.
    Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Silver Bullet The idea of league partners doing journalism is always a strange subject.
    Andrew Marchand, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Years later, now a lawyer, Andi wins a radio contest where the host, Jake (Romaine Waite), turns the story of the sleigh bell and stranger into a segment, as listeners help track down her mystery man before Christmas.
    Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Foragers in the know have multiple ginkgo spots around town, but the fruit is relatively uncommon.
    Ariane Lange, Sacbee.com, 28 Oct. 2025
  • While its not uncommon for companies to establish new garment factories, new mills are more challenging.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The alternative story of Helen’s Egyptian detour invites a more critical examination of the relationship between war and story by highlighting the degree to which humans have been conditioned by a narrative that presents war as the ultimate stage for personal and national glory.
    Elizabeth D. Samet, Foreign Affairs, 29 Oct. 2025
  • On a personal note, Variety even led me to the love of my life.
    William Earl, Variety, 28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • At a panel discussion at Carnegie Hall in 1999, Dohnányi got into a minor fracas with his esteemed colleague Pierre Boulez over the distinctive tone of French bassoons.
    Alex Ross, New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2025
  • The country superstar will return to the distinctive venue for shows June 19-20, 24 and 26-27.
    Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Welcome to the ninth edition of The Alternative Premier League Table, where each Thursday, Anantaajith Raghuraman analyses the entire division through a specific lens.
    Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Differences in specific genes may cause a person to metabolize caffeine quickly or slowly.
    Brittany Lubeck, Verywell Health, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • This secluded, 75-acre Relais & Châteaux property — the first in North America – seamlessly blends rustic simplicity with extraordinary pampering.
    Suzanne Wright, USA Today, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Jennifer Hudson continues to inspire with her extraordinary talent and authenticity; Salli Richardson-Whitfield has evolved into one of the most dynamic directors and executive producers working in television today; and Damson Idris embodies the brilliance and promise of a new generation.
    Beatrice Verhoeven, HollywoodReporter, 28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • As travelers crave experiences over ordinary stays, hotels that have transformed grim to glam are now embracing their bizarre and sometimes haunted histories, even hosting weddings and wellness retreats.
    Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2025
  • But things take a bizarre turn when her son, Simón (Roger Príncep), goes missing.
    Steven Thrash, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Peculiar.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/peculiar. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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