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Definitions

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.

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

From Science Daily • Mar. 10, 2026

Early voting is underway in Texas, and some primary races are only getting more peculiar.

From Slate • Feb. 21, 2026

“Rumpelstiltskin” is surely one of the more peculiar tales in the Brothers Grimm canon.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 20, 2026

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

From Salon • Feb. 19, 2026

But she weaved through the aisles, ducking to avoid the rain, and on the hunt for a peculiar plant that would most likely be hidden from display.

From "The Marvellers" by Dhonielle Clayton

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.