eccentric 1 of 2

adjective

ik-ˈsen-trik How to pronounce eccentric (audio)
Definition of eccentricnext
as in bizarre
different from the ordinary in a way that causes curiosity or suspicion his eccentric decorating style isn't going over well with the neighbors

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

eccentric

2 of 2

noun

as in character
a person of odd or whimsical habits an eccentric who designed his house to look like a Scottish castle

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word eccentric distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of eccentric are erratic, odd, outlandish, peculiar, quaint, singular, strange, and unique. While all these words mean "departing from what is ordinary, usual, or to be expected," eccentric suggests a wide divergence from the usual or normal especially in behavior.

the eccentric eating habits of preschoolers

When is erratic a more appropriate choice than eccentric?

While the synonyms erratic and eccentric 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 odd instead of eccentric?

While in some cases nearly identical to eccentric, odd applies to a departure from the regular or expected.

an odd sense of humor

Where would outlandish be a reasonable alternative to eccentric?

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

outlandish fashions of the time

When could peculiar be used to replace eccentric?

The meanings of peculiar and eccentric largely overlap; however, peculiar implies a marked distinctiveness.

the peculiar status of America's first lady

In what contexts can quaint take the place of eccentric?

In some situations, the words quaint and eccentric are roughly equivalent. However, quaint suggests an old-fashioned but pleasant oddness.

a quaint fishing village

When can singular be used instead of eccentric?

The words singular and eccentric can be used in similar contexts, but singular suggests individuality or puzzling strangeness.

a singular feeling of impending disaster

When would strange be a good substitute for eccentric?

The words strange and eccentric 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 might unique be a better fit than eccentric?

The synonyms unique and eccentric 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 eccentric
Adjective
During this same week, your eccentric cosmic ruler Uranus will be sending out a slew of positive connections to a whole cluster of planets, including motivated Mars and romantic Venus. —Nina Kahn, StyleCaster, 24 Mar. 2025 Basden also wrote the music for the film’s story of a once moderately successful folk-rock duo (featuring an earthy, relaxed Carey Mulligan) who are reunited on a remote island by a eccentric lottery winner (Key). —Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 21 Mar. 2025
Noun
He’s played by the real-life former major-league pitcher Bill (Spaceman) Lee, an eephus exponent with a reputation as a baseball eccentric. —Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 7 Mar. 2025 And the neighbors have evolved into a hearty mix of young parents, middle-aged artists and eccentrics, blue-collar lifers, and comfortable retirees. —Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 26 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for eccentric
Recent Examples of Synonyms for eccentric
  1. bizarre
  2. character
  3. strange
  4. oddball
  5. funny
  6. original
  7. weird
  8. weirdo
Adjective
  • Continue reading … 'THIS IS SO CRAZY' – DOGE reveals bizarre findings of unemployment insurance claims.
    — FOXNews.com, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • He is rarely seen making a grand gesture or engaging in behavior that could be described as bizarre.
    — David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Apr. 2025
Definition of bizarre
Noun
  • Alanna is definitely in the running for my favorite overhauled show character.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 28 Mar. 2025
  • From a personality standpoint, many have praised Dart for his competitive mindset and character, something that coach Mike Tomlin often values.
    — Mike DeFabo, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of character
Adjective
  • These stores typically feature eclectic collections of oddities, collectibles, curiosities, and decorative items that appeal to collectors and enthusiasts of the strange and unique.
    — Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Apr. 2025
  • If some readers were befuddled by Mr. Holland’s strange and magical imagery, graphic artists were entranced.
    — Penelope Green, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025
Definition of strange
Noun
  • The novel has gotten two film adaptations — one starring Gene Wilder as Wonka in 1971, and another starring Johnny Depp in that role in 2005 — while Timothée Chalamet played a younger version of the oddball candymaker in 2023’s Wonka.
    — Rebecca Luther, TVLine, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Leicester are an oddball side, defensive in shape but rarely defending well.
    — Carl Anka, The Athletic, 17 Mar. 2025
Definition of oddball
Adjective
  • His being handsome, funny and not known for comedy was a real asset.
    — Rosa Escandon, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025
  • And makes a funny joke about giving Glenn Close an Oscar.
    — Andy Hoglund, EW.com, 13 Apr. 2025
Definition of funny
Noun
  • Kevin Williamson, the writer who created the franchise with the 1996 original, is directing the sequel. Mason Gooding and Jasmin Savoy Brown, the other half of the reboots' Core Four along with Ortega and Barrera, will reprise their roles.
    — Benjamin VanHoose, People.com, 7 Apr. 2025
  • That proved challenging because technology had advanced with different machines and methods since manufacturing the original.
    — Melinda Newman, Billboard, 5 Apr. 2025
Definition of original
Adjective
  • So those [neoclassical] artists are to me, in a very weird sense, the very earliest photographers—except their medium was oil on canvas.
    — Mark Holgate, Vogue, 15 Apr. 2025
  • The first sign of Mom Fatigue is leaving weird stuff in the fridge.
    — Olga Khazan, The Atlantic, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of weird
Noun
  • Parker Posey, Jason Isaacs, Walton Goggins and everyone else are doing a terrific job as rich weirdos in Thailand facing various existential crises.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • What about actually getting SpaceGhostPurrp or an underground weirdo on a track?
    — Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 19 Mar. 2025
Definition of weirdo

Browse Nearby Words

ebullitions
eccentric
eccentricities
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Cite this Entry

“Eccentric.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/eccentric. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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