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as in single
being one of a pair or set without a corresponding mate somehow, there's always at least one odd sock that comes out of the dryer

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word odd distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of odd are eccentric, erratic, outlandish, peculiar, quaint, singular, strange, and unique. While all these words mean "departing from what is ordinary, usual, or to be expected," odd applies to a departure from the regular or expected.

an odd sense of humor

When can eccentric be used instead of odd?

The words eccentric and odd can be used in similar contexts, but eccentric suggests a wide divergence from the usual or normal especially in behavior.

the eccentric eating habits of preschoolers

When would erratic be a good substitute for odd?

While the synonyms erratic and odd are close in meaning, erratic stresses a capricious and unpredictable wandering or deviating.

a friend's suddenly erratic behavior

When is it sensible to use outlandish instead of odd?

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

outlandish fashions of the time

When is peculiar a more appropriate choice than odd?

While in some cases nearly identical to odd, peculiar implies a marked distinctiveness.

the peculiar status of America's first lady

When might quaint be a better fit than odd?

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

a quaint fishing village

Where would singular be a reasonable alternative to odd?

The meanings of singular and odd largely overlap; however, singular suggests individuality or puzzling strangeness.

a singular feeling of impending disaster

In what contexts can strange take the place of odd?

The words strange and odd are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, strange stresses unfamiliarity and may apply to the foreign, the unnatural, the unaccountable.

a journey filled with strange sights

When could unique be used to replace odd?

The synonyms unique and odd are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 odd Some narratives suggested these odd flying objects were actually advanced military aircraft or possibly even signs of extraterrestrial life. Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 15 Jan. 2025 Before intermission, in Dvorak’s Violin Concerto, Joshua Bell handled the solo part with his usual preternaturally smooth tone and his usual odd lack of surprise despite surface liveliness. Zachary Woolfe, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2025 The discussion begins with Bob the Drag Queen throwing out Wells’s name on account of his odd behavior. Tom Smyth, Vulture, 9 Jan. 2025 Plus, a discovery in the Sea of Sicily, an odd pick for director of the Walters in Baltimore, and the Met releases designs for a new contemporary wing. Brian T. Allen, National Review, 2 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for odd 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for odd
Adjective
  • Again, because all of these are estimates, a single score is less useful than tracking your score over time.
    Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 16 Jan. 2025
  • For example, all three major airports in the Washington, D.C. area saw records for the most firearms detected in a single year.
    Suzanne Rowan Kelleher, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Paleontologists have known something strange happened between the end of the Triassic Period and the beginning of the Jurassic for the better part of a century.
    Riley Black, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Their release marks just the latest twist in a long, strange road for both extremist leaders.
    Will Carless, USA TODAY, 22 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • While some of the operations may not have been unusual, ICE averaged 311 daily arrests in the fiscal year that ended Sept. 30. — Associated Press Trump says inflation isn’t his No. 1 issue.
    Baltimore Sun staff, Baltimore Sun, 27 Jan. 2025
  • Hegseth showed up in person for the vote, which is unusual.
    Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA TODAY, 25 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Accidents are not uncommon during the testing of new rockets and spacecraft.
    Jason Abbruzzese, NBC News, 17 Jan. 2025
  • Scams or scam centers are not uncommon in Southeast Asia.
    Jay Ganglani, CNN, 16 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Tom Edge, who has written the bulk of the TV series, and Sue Tully, the show’s longtime director, wisely make no attempt to put those reams of online chatter onscreen, settling for the occasional spoken reference.
    Mike Hale, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2025
  • Breathe Better Air pollution hides inside our homes, causing health effects ranging from the occasional sneeze to chronic respiratory issues.
    Anna Haines, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • In 1892, he was elected once again, becoming the 24th president of the U.S. and the only former president to be restored to the office — until Trump’s victory in the 2024 election.
    Bailey Richards, People.com, 20 Jan. 2025
  • Prior to Trump's 2024 victory, Democrat Grover Cleveland was the only president to have done so.
    Justin Gest, Newsweek, 20 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • By Judy Berman January 17, 2025 6:00 AM EST The spectacular finale of Severance’s first season introduced a love triangle more bizarre than New Order could ever have imagined.
    Judy Berman, TIME, 17 Jan. 2025
  • Duran Duran has paid tribute to the late American filmmaker David Lynch, whose brilliant and bizarre films laid the inspirational groundwork for a young Nick Rhodes.
    Lars Brandle, Billboard, 17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Taken as a whole, the progression is extraordinary.
    Ann Abel, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Making good on a campaign promise, Trump signed the extraordinary executive action as part of a flurry of orders shortly after being sworn in on Monday.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 22 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near odd

Cite this Entry

“Odd.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/odd. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

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