UNIQUE Synonyms: 151 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

unique

adjective

yu̇-ˈnēk

Definition of unique

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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as in uncommon

noticeably different from what is generally found or experienced a unique ability to add large sums in his head

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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

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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 Below, learn more about Princess Margaret’s unique engagement ring, her relationship with Antony, and the personal meaning behind her granddaughter’s choice to wear the heirloom. — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 1 Sep. 2026 The launch follows the August release of Saucony’s fall marathon sneaker collection, which featured four unique Endorphin Azura colorways inspired by the race cities of Sydney, Berlin, Chicago and New York. — Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026 There are nearly two hundred ministers and vice ministers there, a concentration of senior government and party officials that is unique to Beijing. — Jonathan Flint, Harpers Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026 Here's a look at some of the unique laws that went into effect that Texans need to know about. — Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unique

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unique

Adjective

While his batting order remains unchanged, the team has made an unusual move, relocating Guerrero's locker to a new spot.

— Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Land exchanges are common elsewhere in the federal government, but exchanging National Park Service land for private development access is unusual, NOTUS reported, citing a former park service official.

— Annie Palmer, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of unusual

Adjective

Thus far, these states are the only ones the CDC has confirmed as related to one another and traced back to the lettuce.

— Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
The police will have to disclose only reports of crimes that took place on the campus itself, and not reports concerning burglary, larceny and other offenses, which the judge deemed irrelevant.

— Joaquin Sapien, ProPublica, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of only

Adjective

Following his diagnosis and death, Brody’s parents received messages from other families in Ladera Ranch whose children had suffered from the same uncommon disease.

— Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026
The league could perhaps benefit from such messaging in its stadiums and on its helmets because DUI arrests or other traffic incidents involving NFL people are not uncommon.

— Armando Salguero OutKick, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of uncommon

Adjective

Instead, detectives say the group used falsified invoices and documents and transferred cash into personal bank accounts.

— Chelsea Jones, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026
For an undergraduate student living off campus, Detroit Mercy estimates $3,220 for transportation and $10,830 for personal and miscellaneous expenses.

— Adrienne Roberts, Freep.com, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of personal

Adjective

One of the most extraordinary musical experiences of my life was recording with her.

— Donna Vickroy, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
Harald’s death was officially announced at an extraordinary Council of State meeting at Norway’s Royal Palace on Friday, as the full title of the new King was formally presented.

— Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of extraordinary

Adjective

At a special fair contest, Iowa pie bakers gave the Pie Lady Louise Piper a fitting farewell.

— Courtney Crowder, Des Moines Register, 28 Aug. 2026
If your stay involves a special occasion, the Teppanyaki show-cooking experience makes for an unforgettable celebration.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of special

Adjective

From personalized skin-care picks to products that build, layer, and play well together, each one evolves with you.

— Allure Editors, Allure, 31 Aug. 2026
The app’s home page will feature a personalized list of posts from a user’s preferred sites, with another tab dedicated to game threads.

— Sportico Staff, Sportico.com, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of personalized

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“Unique.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unique. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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