unique

adjective

yu̇-ˈnēk How to pronounce unique (audio)
Definition of uniquenext
1
as in unusual
being out of the ordinary the restaurant, specializing in fusion cuisine, provides a truly unique dining experience for those who can afford it

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in only
being the one or ones of a class with no other members the Mapparium, a huge glass globe that visitors can walk through, is unique—there's not another one like it anywhere

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in uncommon
noticeably different from what is generally found or experienced a unique ability to add large sums in his head

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in personal
of, relating to, or belonging to a single person a comedian who brings a unique and twisted perspective to contemporary social issues

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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unique characteristics
distinctive characteristics
peculiar characteristics
specific characteristics
special characteristics
especial characteristics
a unique design
a distinct design
a distinctive design
an exclusive design
an unparalleled design
an unprecedented design
a unique perspective
an exclusive perspective
an original perspective
a distinct perspective
an unusual perspective
a different perspective
a unique situation
an unusual situation
an uncommon situation
an unparalleled situation
an exceptional situation
an unprecedented situation

Synonym Chooser

How is the word unique distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of unique are eccentric, erratic, odd, outlandish, peculiar, quaint, singular, and strange. While all these words mean "departing from what is ordinary, usual, or to be expected," unique implies singularity and the fact of being without a known parallel.

a career unique in the annals of science

When would eccentric be a good substitute for unique?

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

the eccentric eating habits of preschoolers

When can erratic be used instead of unique?

The meanings of erratic and unique largely overlap; however, erratic stresses a capricious and unpredictable wandering or deviating.

a friend's suddenly erratic behavior

Where would odd be a reasonable alternative to unique?

The words odd and unique are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, odd applies to a departure from the regular or expected.

an odd sense of humor

When is it sensible to use outlandish instead of unique?

In some situations, the words outlandish and unique are roughly equivalent. However, outlandish applies to what is uncouth, bizarre, or barbaric.

outlandish fashions of the time

When could peculiar be used to replace unique?

The synonyms peculiar and unique are sometimes interchangeable, but peculiar implies a marked distinctiveness.

the peculiar status of America's first lady

When might quaint be a better fit than unique?

Although the words quaint and unique have much in common, quaint suggests an old-fashioned but pleasant oddness.

a quaint fishing village

When is singular a more appropriate choice than unique?

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

a singular feeling of impending disaster

In what contexts can strange take the place of unique?

While the synonyms strange and unique are close in meaning, strange stresses unfamiliarity and may apply to the foreign, the unnatural, the unaccountable.

a journey filled with strange sights

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 unique Hussle explained the reasoning for her unique moniker in a resurfaced Youtube video. —Nicole Briese, People.com, 15 July 2025 Many shows are packed with classic, timeless names for boys and girls, as well as gender-neutral picks and a few more unique, surprising choices inspired by iconic musical characters and those who create and perform them. —Kara Nesvig, Parents, 15 July 2025 His 1959 Gibson Les Paul is itself a legendary instrument among guitarists, known to have a unique tone because one of its pickups was placed in the guitar upside down. —Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 15 July 2025 Bouygues-Murphy The central tunnel's three-lane design is notable for a unique underdeck systems arrangement. —Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for unique
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unique
  1. unusual
  2. only
  3. uncommon
  4. personal
  5. extraordinary
  6. special
  7. funny
  8. exceptional
Adjective
  • Summer storms cause travel headaches every year, but these numbers are not unusual.
    — Zach Wichter, USA Today, 26 July 2025
  • Their target area was unusual, though: a strip of lawn between the road and a fence bordering Interstate 65, where homeless people have set up about two dozen tents over the first half of this year.
    — Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 26 July 2025
Definition of unusual
Adjective
  • Following Marxist doctrine, members believed in violence as the only path to change.
    — Katja Hoyer, semafor.com, 19 July 2025
  • One measure, which cleared by a 219-210 vote with only Republican support, would bar the Federal Reserve from creating a central bank for cryptocurrency.
    — Joey Garrison, USA Today, 19 July 2025
Definition of only
Adjective
  • Daytime activity is not uncommon and does not necessarily indicate rabies.
    — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 14 July 2025
  • The Southern rock outfit remains so beloved that even retrospective live collections can become commercial wins, which is a relatively uncommon feat for most acts, especially those that have been around as long as Lynyrd Skynyrd.
    — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
Definition of uncommon
Adjective
  • Contact personal finance columnist Susan Tompor: [email protected].
    — Susan Tompor, Freep.com, 24 July 2025
  • Clint Eastwood is as impersonal a personal filmmaker as modern Hollywood has to offer.
    — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 23 July 2025
Definition of personal
Adjective
  • The path to extraordinary results starts with recognizing what already comes naturally to you.
    — Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
  • Getty Images/Warren Little The World No. 1 will have the extraordinary chance to complete it on his 30th birthday, as his birthday, June 21, coincides with the final round of next year's US Open at Shinnecock Hills.
    — Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 July 2025
Definition of extraordinary
Adjective
  • But that Berger has this moment is special for myriad reasons.
    — Megan Feringa, New York Times, 20 July 2025
  • Aldrin also shared that Pope Leo XIV spoke with him and his wife, expressing how special the moment was.
    — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 20 July 2025
Definition of special
Adjective
  • His voice is too funny, too smart and too important to go quietly into the night.
    — Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 19 July 2025
  • But a funny thing happened on the way to this flexible-rate nirvana.
    — Brian Domitrovic, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
Definition of funny
Adjective
  • Her work in front of and behind the camera has been exceptional.
    — Banseka Kayembe, Refinery29, 18 July 2025
  • Yet the difference between successful, not-enough-hours-in-the-day executives and truly exceptional leaders with ample downtime often lies in their ability to protect their attention.
    — Ginni Saraswati, Forbes.com, 18 July 2025
Definition of exceptional

Browse Nearby Words

union suit
unique
uniqueness
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Cite this Entry

“Unique.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unique. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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