quaint

adjective

ˈkwānt How to pronounce quaint (audio)
Definition of quaintnext
1
as in bizarre
different from the ordinary in a way that causes curiosity or suspicion the sudden appearance of a man dressed in quaint clothes immediately drew the notice of passersby

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in antique
pleasantly reminiscent of an earlier time a quaint general store on one of the back roads of Vermont

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word quaint distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of quaint are eccentric, erratic, odd, outlandish, peculiar, singular, strange, and unique. While all these words mean "departing from what is ordinary, usual, or to be expected," quaint suggests an old-fashioned but pleasant oddness.

a quaint fishing village

When is it sensible to use eccentric instead of quaint?

The words eccentric and quaint are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, eccentric suggests a wide divergence from the usual or normal especially in behavior.

the eccentric eating habits of preschoolers

Where would erratic be a reasonable alternative to quaint?

While the synonyms erratic and quaint are close in meaning, erratic stresses a capricious and unpredictable wandering or deviating.

a friend's suddenly erratic behavior

When might odd be a better fit than quaint?

In some situations, the words odd and quaint are roughly equivalent. However, odd applies to a departure from the regular or expected.

an odd sense of humor

When could outlandish be used to replace quaint?

The synonyms outlandish and quaint are sometimes interchangeable, but outlandish applies to what is uncouth, bizarre, or barbaric.

outlandish fashions of the time

In what contexts can peculiar take the place of quaint?

Although the words peculiar and quaint have much in common, peculiar implies a marked distinctiveness.

the peculiar status of America's first lady

When would singular be a good substitute for quaint?

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

a singular feeling of impending disaster

When is strange a more appropriate choice than quaint?

While in some cases nearly identical to quaint, 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 quaint?

The meanings of unique and quaint largely overlap; 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 quaint Judging by some of the bruising tackles on display, bragging rights still matter hugely, but tempers never threaten to boil over, which somehow feels fitting considering the rather quaint ‘Gentlemen — No Swearing Please’ sign hanging on the side of the dugouts. —Richard Sutcliffe, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025 The days when people lived and died by the Social Register are quaint history. —Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 8 Jan. 2025 This house is quaint and charming and might even be your dream home. —Zoe Gowen, Southern Living, 5 Jan. 2025 Begin in quaint Passau, the ‘City of Three Rivers’ where the holiday fair is hosted in the middle of the old town with a 17th-century cathedral as its backdrop. —Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 20 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for quaint
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quaint
  1. bizarre
  2. antique
  3. strange
  4. vintage
  5. funny
  6. retro
  7. odd
  8. antiquated
Adjective
  • Continue reading … 'THIS IS SO CRAZY' – DOGE reveals bizarre findings of unemployment insurance claims.
    — FOXNews.com, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • However, the match's outcome was overshadowed by a post-match attack from Knight's WrestleMania opponent for the United States Championship, Jacob Fatu, who appeared unexpectedly and delivered a brutal beating, culminating in him licking the US title in a bizarre display of dominance.
    — David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Apr. 2025
Definition of bizarre
Adjective
  • The nonprofit is offering a $500 reward per set for the return of the antique doors.
    — PJ Green, Kansas City Star, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Among the weird things people left behind were a full sheet of uncut $2 bills, a toilet seat, silicone butt pads, a rattlesnake preserved in a jar of whiskey and an antique French guide to performing exorcisms.
    — Zach Wichter, USA Today, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of antique
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
Definition of strange
Adjective
  • Like a vintage automobile that’s been kept in fine tune, this one hums like a V8, right from the turn of the key.
    — Laura Ness, Mercury News, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Curio shops may sell items ranging from vintage taxidermy and unusual natural specimens to antique medical instruments and historical artifacts.
    — Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Apr. 2025
Definition of vintage
Adjective
  • And makes a funny joke about giving Glenn Close an Oscar.
    — Andy Hoglund, EW.com, 13 Apr. 2025
  • His being handsome, funny and not known for comedy was a real asset.
    — Rosa Escandon, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025
Definition of funny
Adjective
  • Built in 1958, the charmingly retro 3,899 square foot, four bedroom, four bathroom property is going for $4.95 million.
    — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Typically following retro design cues, many of Hazan's masterpieces are more at home in an art gallery than on the street alongside commuters – with some bikes going for as much as US$125,000.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of retro
Adjective
  • People had called, but Tommy wouldn’t answer — odd for a man Maryanne often chastised for taking too many calls at the dinner table.
    — Kristina Goetz, USA Today, 13 Apr. 2025
  • His best by far came off an odd-man rush where Suzuki shot to create a rebound for Cole Caufield.
    — Omar White, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025
Definition of odd
Adjective
  • In 2018, Russia blamed Israel for an incident in which an antiquated Syrian S-200 anti-aircraft missile destroyed a Russian military transport while targeting Israeli fighter jets, killing all 15 Russian personnel aboard.
    — Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Too many fouls, not enough freedom for creativity and an antiquated two halves format have kept him from diving in.
    — C.J. Doon, Baltimore Sun, 26 Mar. 2025
Definition of antiquated

Browse Nearby Words

quails
quaint
quais
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Cite this Entry

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

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