odd

adjective

ˈäd How to pronounce odd (audio)
Definition of oddnext
1
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

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2
as in strange
different from the ordinary in a way that causes curiosity or suspicion odd behavior that prompted one of the waiting passengers to alert airport security

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3
as in unusual
being out of the ordinary the only odd grade for the exam was the one perfect score

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4
as in uncommon
noticeably different from what is generally found or experienced the odd occurrences in the area attracted the attention of people interested in psychic phenomena

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5
as in occasional
not often occurring or repeated with the exception of the odd sick day, he never takes time off from work

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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 Birthright citizenship is an odd case to use to scale back nationwide injunctions, Justice Elena Kagan said. —Mark Sherman, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2025 A day after the loss, Curry caught up with the media and made an odd comment to reporters after his press conference. —Ricardo Klein, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025 Similar odd transactions occurred with other assets and entities. —Martin Shenkman, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025 Sources familiar with the interaction found Fetterman’s response odd because Shaheen, as the ranking member, doesn’t determine committee assignments — the Senate Democratic leader does. —Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 12 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for odd
Recent Examples of Synonyms for odd
  1. single
  2. strange
  3. unusual
  4. uncommon
  5. occasional
  6. only
  7. bizarre
  8. extraordinary
Adjective
  • Eurostar already allows passengers to book a single ticket from London to several Swiss cities, including Geneva, Zurich, and Lausanne.
    — Everett Potter, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
  • The Dragons loaded the bases with two outs for Dean who lined a single to right to drive home two to give Carroll a 3-0 lead.
    — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 May 2025
Definition of single
Adjective
  • From the window of his 46th-floor downtown office, attorney Scott Sheftall noticed a strange, solitary cloud that worried him.
    — Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 10 May 2025
  • Although strange, anachronistic, and exaggerated, this world still seems to reflect the same daily problems that all people endure.
    — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 9 May 2025
Definition of strange
Adjective
  • In that respect, Alonso is not necessarily unusual.
    — Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 15 May 2025
  • If anything seems unusual, trust your instincts and stop the communication immediately.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 14 May 2025
Definition of unusual
Adjective
  • Then again, this drought is uncommon for the 22-year-old center fielder.
    — Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 May 2025
  • Flares of this magnitude are uncommon, the service added.
    — Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025
Definition of uncommon
Adjective
  • With some occasional help from the Rockies, who committed three errors and one big mental mistake, the Padres (24-13) scored in five different innings.
    — Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 May 2025
  • Goygol includes 65,000 residents, prim parks, tall pines and occasional Tyrolean architecture.
    — Tom Mullen, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025
Definition of occasional
Adjective
  • The only part of her body that could move was her tail, which slightly wagged in anticipation of getting saved by her owner.
    — Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025
  • Why do celebrities buy the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon? Brunson is far from the only multimillionaire or celebrity who owns a G-Wagon.
    — Charles Singh, USA Today, 9 May 2025
Definition of only
Adjective
  • Sinner won a bizarre semifinal in his first tournament back from a three-month doping ban, while Alcaraz triumphed in a sloppy duel.
    — Sam Settleman, New York Times, 17 May 2025
  • Known for its deluge of gruesome deaths that just get more bizarre with each iteration, Final Destination is now returning for a sixth movie.
    — Rebecca Aizin, People.com, 16 May 2025
Definition of bizarre
Adjective
  • Stone’s life meandered from extraordinary creative highs to long periods of creative inactivity marked by questionable choices, in his career and in his life.
    — Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 9 May 2025
  • Competing against 12 choirs from across California — including teams from Los Angeles County, Visalia, Sacramento, and San Diego — as well as schools from Arizona and Nevada, the young ensemble scored an extraordinary 99 out of 100 points, according to a news release.
    — News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 May 2025
Definition of extraordinary

Phrases Containing odd

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odalisques
odd
oddball
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Cite this Entry

“Odd.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/odd. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

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