unique

adjective

yu̇-ˈnēk How to pronounce unique (audio)
Definition of uniquenext
1
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
2
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
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

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4
as in uncommon
noticeably different from what is generally found or experienced a unique ability to add large sums in his head

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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 The Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau spotlights the unique experiences the city’s diverse neighborhoods offer to tourists. —Darlene Xiomara Rodriguez, The Conversation, 30 May 2025 In a unique breeding strategy, males of the species die immediately after the breeding cycle, the conservancy said. —Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 30 May 2025 As federal policy stagnates, states have a unique opportunity to fill the void. —Jeremy Cooney, New York Daily News, 30 May 2025 But in the middle is this new, unique tea experience. —Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 20 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for unique
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unique
  1. personal
  2. unusual
  3. only
  4. uncommon
  5. extraordinary
  6. special
  7. funny
  8. subjective
Adjective
  • The deceptive advertisement asks for personal information, including your full name, license plate number, and the last five digits of the vehicle registration number.
    — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2025
  • If Trump owns 90%, his personal holdings would amount to roughly $430 million.
    — Dan Alexander, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
Definition of personal
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
  • While the timing off the surgery was a bit unusual, Tremble’s importance to the lineup — and the quick turnaround for rehabilitation — made the decision palatable to the organization.
    — Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 27 May 2025
Definition of unusual
Adjective
  • Siakam finished with 15 points, six rebounds and five assists — the only Indiana starter to score in double figures.
    — Shakeia Taylor, New York Times, 1 June 2025
  • The only way in was through the resale market, where just hours before first pitch on Friday, the lowest price (fees and taxes included) for a pair of tickets on StubHub was $209.52.
    — Anthony De Leon, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2025
Definition of only
Adjective
  • Acqui-hires are not uncommon in a competitive tech hiring environment.
    — Geri Stengel, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
  • This is why Daigneault refers to the Thunder as an uncommon group.
    — Tony Jones, New York Times, 29 May 2025
Definition of uncommon
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
Adjective
  • But even by such a high standard this triptych is special as a work of art and a piece of history.
    — Anthony DeMarco, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
  • The location is special, as Thicke and Geary made their public debut as a couple there during the Cannes Film Festival 10 years ago in 2015.
    — Sabienna Bowman, People.com, 2 June 2025
Definition of special
Adjective
  • Because to us, the most funny things are right next to the most tragic things.
    — Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2025
  • There are enough quotable lines of dialogue in the movie’s first half to remind you why Succession was, pound for pound, one of the most profanely funny shows on TV during its run.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 31 May 2025
Definition of funny
Adjective
  • Taste is subjective, and USA TODAY Books has plenty of genres to recommend.
    — Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 25 May 2025
  • But in real life—especially in business—the players change, the rules mutate, and the payoffs are subjective.
    — Jason Snyder, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
Definition of subjective

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 10 Jun. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of unique for Spanish Speakers

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