unique

adjective

yu̇-ˈnēk How to pronounce unique (audio)
Definition of uniquenext
1
as in unusual
being out of the ordinary the restaurant, specializing in fusion cuisine, provides a truly unique dining experience for those who can afford it

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in only
being the one or ones of a class with no other members the Mapparium, a huge glass globe that visitors can walk through, is unique—there's not another one like it anywhere

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in uncommon
noticeably different from what is generally found or experienced a unique ability to add large sums in his head

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in personal
of, relating to, or belonging to a single person a comedian who brings a unique and twisted perspective to contemporary social issues

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word unique distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of unique are eccentric, erratic, odd, outlandish, peculiar, quaint, singular, and strange. While all these words mean "departing from what is ordinary, usual, or to be expected," unique implies singularity and the fact of being without a known parallel.

a career unique in the annals of science

When would eccentric be a good substitute for unique?

While in some cases nearly identical to unique, eccentric suggests a wide divergence from the usual or normal especially in behavior.

the eccentric eating habits of preschoolers

When can erratic be used instead of unique?

The meanings of erratic and unique largely overlap; however, erratic stresses a capricious and unpredictable wandering or deviating.

a friend's suddenly erratic behavior

Where would odd be a reasonable alternative to unique?

The words odd and unique are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, odd applies to a departure from the regular or expected.

an odd sense of humor

When is it sensible to use outlandish instead of unique?

In some situations, the words outlandish and unique are roughly equivalent. However, outlandish applies to what is uncouth, bizarre, or barbaric.

outlandish fashions of the time

When could peculiar be used to replace unique?

The synonyms peculiar and unique are sometimes interchangeable, but peculiar implies a marked distinctiveness.

the peculiar status of America's first lady

When might quaint be a better fit than unique?

Although the words quaint and unique have much in common, quaint suggests an old-fashioned but pleasant oddness.

a quaint fishing village

When is singular a more appropriate choice than unique?

The words singular and unique can be used in similar contexts, but singular suggests individuality or puzzling strangeness.

a singular feeling of impending disaster

In what contexts can strange take the place of unique?

While the synonyms strange and unique are close in meaning, strange stresses unfamiliarity and may apply to the foreign, the unnatural, the unaccountable.

a journey filled with strange sights

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 unique Falechay Fall Crewneck Long-sleeve Top Skewing towards a more bohemian style, this fluttery blouse is a unique yet wearable pick at the top of my shopping list this fall. —Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 28 Oct. 2025 Immersive experiences connect guests further with nature, in the form of unique activities like watercolor painting beneath open skies, or exploring ancient traditions with local masters. —Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 28 Oct. 2025 These works are often not only wonderful reads in their own right but also provide unique opportunities for modern readers — opportunities newer books may not. —Big Think, 28 Oct. 2025 In other words, the unique vitality of our homegrown production ensures a healthy, resilient, and dynamic environment for international shoots, with consistently high activity levels regardless of market fluctuations. —Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 28 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unique
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unique
  1. unusual
  2. only
  3. uncommon
  4. personal
  5. extraordinary
  6. special
  7. funny
  8. personalized
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
Definition of unusual
Adjective
  • The only way to end slavery at the founding was to create a federal government empowered to make domestic and foreign policy for the states.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Brady was the only parent home at the time of the drowning.
    — Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025
Definition of only
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
Definition of uncommon
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
Definition of personal
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
Definition of extraordinary
Adjective
  • Team it with ballet flats or sneakers for a casual day of apple-picking or tailgating this season, or dress it up with tights and boots for holiday celebrations and other special occasions.
    — Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025
  • At the end of the day, that is what makes this show so special, rather than just another dance show, is because there’s an actual technique book based off of these dances that you guys are watching the couples dance.
    — McKinley Franklin, HollywoodReporter, 28 Oct. 2025
Definition of special
Adjective
  • Kristen Bell and her husband Dax Shepard are known to be funny, but one joke has kept them in the public eye all week.
    — Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2025
  • The film is also possibly Reichardt’s funniest thus far.
    — Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 23 Oct. 2025
Definition of funny
Adjective
  • Parents control what content plays, while kids build their own playlists and get personalized recommendations based on their listening habits.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2025
  • At Banyan Tree Mayakoba, Fairmont Mayakoba, Rosewood Mayakoba, and the upcoming Alila Mayakoba (a property centered on holistic well-being), guests can experience authentic, personalized treatments rooted in nature and culture.
    — AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 24 Oct. 2025
Definition of personalized

Browse Nearby Words

union suit
unique
uniqueness
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Cite this Entry

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

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