singular

adjective

ˈsiŋ-gyə-lər How to pronounce singular (audio)
Definition of singularnext
1
as in extraordinary
being out of the ordinary the novelist's singular command of the language makes her a compelling voice in contemporary fiction

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in unusual
noticeably different from what is generally found or experienced appearing on the game show has been the most singular experience of my life

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3
as in personal
of, relating to, or belonging to a single person preserving our national heritage is not a singular responsibility but our collective duty

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4
as in only
being the one or ones of a class with no other members this crime was a singular case, and using it as a reason for revising the criminal code would be ill-advised

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word singular distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of singular are eccentric, erratic, odd, outlandish, peculiar, quaint, strange, and unique. While all these words mean "departing from what is ordinary, usual, or to be expected," singular suggests individuality or puzzling strangeness.

a singular feeling of impending disaster

In what contexts can eccentric take the place of singular?

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

the eccentric eating habits of preschoolers

When could erratic be used to replace singular?

The words erratic and singular are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, erratic stresses a capricious and unpredictable wandering or deviating.

a friend's suddenly erratic behavior

When might odd be a better fit than singular?

The meanings of odd and singular largely overlap; however, odd applies to a departure from the regular or expected.

an odd sense of humor

When is outlandish a more appropriate choice than singular?

Although the words outlandish and singular have much in common, outlandish applies to what is uncouth, bizarre, or barbaric.

outlandish fashions of the time

Where would peculiar be a reasonable alternative to singular?

While the synonyms peculiar and singular are close in meaning, peculiar implies a marked distinctiveness.

the peculiar status of America's first lady

When is it sensible to use quaint instead of singular?

The synonyms quaint and singular are sometimes interchangeable, but quaint suggests an old-fashioned but pleasant oddness.

a quaint fishing village

When would strange be a good substitute for singular?

The words strange and singular can be used in similar contexts, but strange stresses unfamiliarity and may apply to the foreign, the unnatural, the unaccountable.

a journey filled with strange sights

When can unique be used instead of singular?

In some situations, the words unique and singular are roughly equivalent. However, 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 singular Wayne Gretzky’s records, like his faults, are singular. —Chris Jones, The Atlantic, 6 Apr. 2025 France’s far-right leader Marine Le Pen has long had a singular ambition: to become France’s next president. —Colette Davidson, Christian Science Monitor, 31 Mar. 2025 Engineering talent, marketing resources, and strategic focus were divided across competing products rather than united behind a singular vision. —Jennifer J. Fondrevay, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025 Actually, that and the content of two of the most singular Muswell Hill skulls should be the core of the show. —Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for singular
Recent Examples of Synonyms for singular
  1. extraordinary
  2. unusual
  3. personal
  4. only
  5. unique
  6. uncommon
  7. subjective
  8. one
Adjective
  • The show chronicles the extraordinary real-life journey of Molly Kochan, a woman who set out to explore her sexuality after being diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer.
    — Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Here are examples of extraordinary deductions taxpayers have asked for and received from the IRS.
    — Medora Lee, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of extraordinary
Adjective
  • Canvas’s menu feature flavors such as Arabic coffee and karak chai and biscuits, but Al Marri also enjoys experimenting with unusual combinations, looking outside the dessert realm for ideas.
    — Nicola Chilton, AFAR Media, 28 Mar. 2025
  • The contract also maintains its unusual provision allowing Sanders to disclose any athletically related outside income to his superiors verbally, thus enabling him to follow NCAA bylaws while ensuring that no public paper trail is created for these earnings.
    — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of unusual
Adjective
  • Once data has gone into a public chatbot, there’s very little control over what happens to it, and there have been cases of personal data entered by one user being exposed in responses to other users.
    — Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
  • The benefits of using apple cider vinegar for sleep or taking it specifically at night are largely based on personal accounts rather than research.
    — Johna Burdeos, Health, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of personal
Adjective
  • Jordan Burks had the only double-double of the night for either team, with 16 points and 13 rebounds.
    — Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Toni wasn't the only sister to pay tribute with a video.
    — Esther Kang, People.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of only
Adjective
  • These lanterns are bright, and their unique design makes the solar hanging light the perfect outdoor decoration.
    — Nora Colomer, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The underlying signal itself can also be unique for people or groups of people.
    — Eloy Geenjaar, The Conversation, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of unique
Adjective
  • Addressed an issue where all horse saddles were uncommon.
    — Oliver Brandt, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025
  • To be fair, government tech projects are complicated, and overruns aren’t uncommon.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of uncommon
Adjective
  • For example, when the count is 2-1 and the batter doesn't swing at a borderline pitch, his fate will be dramatically shifted by the home plate umpire's subjective call.
    — Jesse Kirsch, NBC news, 26 Mar. 2025
  • Participants acknowledge that judging of this kind is by its nature subjective.
    — TIME.com, TIME.com, 24 Mar. 2025
Definition of subjective
Adjective
  • Drinkwater didn't make one appearance in a Chelsea shirt last season, whilst Bakayoko spent the season in Italy on loan at AC Milan.
    — SI.com, SI.com, 3 Aug. 2019
  • Decisions made by engineers today, in other words, will determine not how one car drives but how all cars drive.
    — Johannes Himmelreich, BostonGlobe.com, 30 Mar. 2018
Definition of one

Browse Nearby Words

sings (out)
singular
singularities
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Cite this Entry

“Singular.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/singular. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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