peculiar
12 synonyms and 7 antonyms for peculiar, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Strange or odd; unusual in a way that draws attention.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. adj
Strange or odd; unusual in a way that draws attention.
“There was a peculiar smell coming from the basement.”
Opposites
How to use peculiar
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
peculiar to
a peculiar feeling
peculiar habit
Etymology
From Latin pecūliāris ("one's own property"), from pecūlium ("private property"), ultimately from pecus ("cattle") — livestock once being a measure of personal wealth.
Full origin of peculiar →Frequently asked questions
What does “peculiar” mean?
The word “peculiar” means strange or odd; unusual in a way that draws attention. In plain terms, either "strange/odd" or "specific and unique to something" — context tells you which.
How do you pronounce “peculiar”?
“Peculiar” is pronounced pih-KYOO-lee-uh (/pɪˈkjul.jɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “peculiar” in a sentence?
Here is “peculiar” used in a sentence: “There was a peculiar smell coming from the basement.”
What part of speech is “peculiar”?
“Peculiar” is an adjective.
Where does the word “peculiar” come from?
The word “peculiar” comes from Latin. From Latin pecūliāris ("one's own property"), from pecūlium ("private property"), ultimately from pecus ("cattle") — livestock once being a measure of personal wealth.
Is “peculiar” a common word?
“Peculiar” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “peculiar” have?
“Peculiar” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: strange or odd; unusual in a way that draws attention.
What is the difference between peculiar and strange?
The two overlap closely, but peculiar often carries a milder, more curious tone, while strange can suggest something more unsettling. Peculiar also has a second sense meaning "specific to" something, which strange does not share.
How is "peculiar to" used in a sentence?
"Peculiar to" means belonging distinctly or specifically to a particular person, place, or thing, as in "a custom peculiar to that region." This usage highlights uniqueness rather than oddness.
Is peculiar a polite way to describe something unusual?
Yes, peculiar is generally a mild, fairly neutral word for describing something strange or odd, less blunt than words like weird or bizarre, and it works well in both casual and formal writing.
