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 Huddy looked into the camera, seemingly understanding the awkward moment, and the interview has gone viral for Sanders' odd response. —James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 May 2025 Built as part of the Cardiff Hall plantation, the property had fallen into near ruin; chickens and the odd goat wandered through the living room. —Isabel Wilkinson Schor, New York Times, 16 May 2025 Unique creatures, odd animals and new species are discovered across the planet. —Real-Time News Team, Miami Herald, 16 May 2025 It was also updated to clarify the role of Victor Ortega-Jiménez in observing the flamingos' odd feeding behavior. —Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 16 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
  • But seeing that ship in space today was a hell of a moment for us, so congratulations to every single person who put time, effort, sweat, anything, into that rocket.
    — Mike Wall, Space.com, 28 May 2025
  • Packages valued at up to $800 can no longer bypass customs duty and instead have been slapped with higher duties and single package flat costs.
    — Mark Faithfull, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
Definition of single
Adjective
  • After coming to the Mets at the trade deadline, Blackburn had a serious of strange injuries, getting hit by a line drive on his hand, and then suffering from a spinal fluid leak that required surgery.
    — Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 3 June 2025
  • The strange turn of events surrounding Barrett’s disqualification marred what had been a feel-good story.
    — Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 2 June 2025
Definition of strange
Adjective
  • Listen to this article The Rent Guidelines Board lowered the range of potential rent increases for some 2 million New Yorkers in an unusual redo vote Tuesday — a move that comes as the issue of freezing rents has taken center stage in the contentious mayoral race.
    — Téa Kvetenadze, New York Daily News, 27 May 2025
  • In an unusual step earlier this month, five former directors of the National Weather Service signed an open letter warning that the Trump administration’s cuts to the weather service and its parent agency NOAA may endanger lives.
    — Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 27 May 2025
Definition of unusual
Adjective
  • Acqui-hires are not uncommon in a competitive tech hiring environment.
    — Geri Stengel, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
  • SNRs aren't uncommon, but this particular example showcases numerous anomalies, including its astonishingly round shape.
    — Stefanie Waldek, Space.com, 29 May 2025
Definition of uncommon
Adjective
  • Others that have a small selling history and only a handful of items for sale at a time tend to be occasional sellers and wardrobe clearers.
    — Benjamin Voyer, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
  • The only thing that could get between attendees and their snacks was the occasional free beer or run-in with a mascot.
    — Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 23 May 2025
Definition of occasional
Adjective
  • Another night, the stage will feature only performers of color.
    — Geoff Mulvihill, Chicago Tribune, 1 June 2025
  • These cancellations aren’t the only signs that something is awry in the festival scene.
    — Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 1 June 2025
Definition of only
Adjective
  • Joining me is my Staten Island brother, Pete Davidson, who unveils a darker, dramatic side as his character navigates a bizarre group of residents in an old age home.
    — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 29 May 2025
  • Part of that stems from fewer bizarre storytelling choices (good!), and part of it is a byproduct of an overly cautious attitude toward character development (bad).
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 28 May 2025
Definition of bizarre
Adjective
  • According to the guide, restaurants have to be consistently extraordinary to garner three stars.
    — Tulasi Srinivas, The Conversation, 3 June 2025
  • Davidson’s interior journey through grief is as extraordinary as the outer trek — both guide her towards thriving in an uncomfortable landscape.
    — Bridget Crocker, People.com, 3 June 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 6 Jun. 2025.

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