peculiar

[pi-kyool-yer] / pɪˈkyul yər /

ADJECTIVE

characteristic, distinguishing

Synonyms

STRONGEST

distinct distinctive idiosyncratic particular personal special specific unique

WEAK

appropriate diacritic diagnostic endemic exclusive individual intrinsic local private proper restricted typical

Antonyms

STRONGEST

common commonplace general indefinite like normal ordinary resembling similar standard unimportant usual vague

WEAK

abnormal regular uncharacteristic

ADJECTIVE

bizarre, odd

Synonyms

STRONGEST

curious eccentric extraordinary funny idiosyncratic offbeat outlandish quaint singular strange unconventional unusual wacky weird wonderful

WEAK

abnormal bent creepy exceptional flaky freakish freaky kinky kooky oddball off-the-wall uncommon uncustomary way-out

Antonyms

STRONGEST

common conventional familiar normal ordinary regular standard usual

WEAK

abnormal uncharacteristic

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

At least one copy included peculiar quotation marks in the opening paragraphs.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

This dinosaur belonged to a peculiar group of bird like theropods called alvarezsaurs.

From Science Daily • Mar. 10, 2026

Let’s begin with the peculiar set of events that led to the firing of a Cabinet official.

From Slate • Mar. 7, 2026

During the early pandemic, a peculiar optimism bloomed among those hunkering into lockdown.

From Salon • Feb. 19, 2026

Obsessiveness—that was another trait he came to think of as peculiar to himself.

From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis