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Some common synonyms of quaint<\/em> are eccentric<\/em><\/a>, erratic<\/em><\/a>, odd<\/em><\/a>, outlandish<\/em><\/a>, peculiar<\/em><\/a>, singular<\/em><\/a>, strange<\/em><\/a>, and unique<\/em><\/a>. While all these words mean \"departing from what is ordinary, usual, or to be expected,\" quaint<\/em> suggests an old-fashioned but pleasant oddness.<\/p>

\/\/ a quaint<\/em> fishing village<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When is it sensible to use 'eccentric' instead of 'quaint'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The words eccentric<\/em><\/a> and quaint<\/em> are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, eccentric<\/em> suggests a wide divergence from the usual or normal especially in behavior.<\/p>

\/\/ the eccentric<\/em> eating habits of preschoolers<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Where would 'erratic' be a reasonable alternative to 'quaint'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

While the synonyms erratic<\/em><\/a> and quaint<\/em> are close in meaning, erratic<\/em> stresses a capricious and unpredictable wandering or deviating.<\/p>

\/\/ a friend's suddenly erratic<\/em> behavior<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When might 'odd' be a better fit than 'quaint'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

In some situations, the words odd<\/em><\/a> and quaint<\/em> are roughly equivalent. However, odd<\/em> applies to a departure from the regular or expected.<\/p>

\/\/ an odd<\/em> sense of humor<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When could 'outlandish' be used to replace 'quaint'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The synonyms outlandish<\/em><\/a> and quaint<\/em> are sometimes interchangeable, but outlandish<\/em> applies to what is uncouth, bizarre, or barbaric.<\/p>

\/\/ outlandish<\/em> fashions of the time<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "In what contexts can 'peculiar' take the place of 'quaint'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

Although the words peculiar<\/em><\/a> and quaint<\/em> have much in common, peculiar<\/em> implies a marked distinctiveness.<\/p>

\/\/ the peculiar<\/em> status of America's first lady<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When would 'singular' be a good substitute for 'quaint'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The words singular<\/em><\/a> and quaint<\/em> can be used in similar contexts, but singular<\/em> suggests individuality or puzzling strangeness.<\/p>

\/\/ a singular<\/em> feeling of impending disaster<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When is 'strange' a more appropriate choice than 'quaint'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

While in some cases nearly identical to quaint<\/em>, strange<\/em><\/a> stresses unfamiliarity and may apply to the foreign, the unnatural, the unaccountable.<\/p>

\/\/ a journey filled with strange<\/em> sights<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When can 'unique' be used instead of 'quaint'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The meanings of unique<\/em><\/a> and quaint<\/em> largely overlap; however, unique<\/em> implies singularity and the fact of being without a known parallel.<\/p>

\/\/ a career unique<\/em> in the annals of science<\/p>" } } ] }

quaint

adjective

ˈkwānt How to pronounce quaint (audio)
Definition of quaintnext
1
as in bizarre
different from the ordinary in a way that causes curiosity or suspicion the sudden appearance of a man dressed in quaint clothes immediately drew the notice of passersby

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in antique
pleasantly reminiscent of an earlier time a quaint general store on one of the back roads of Vermont

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word quaint distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of quaint are eccentric, erratic, odd, outlandish, peculiar, singular, strange, and unique. While all these words mean "departing from what is ordinary, usual, or to be expected," quaint suggests an old-fashioned but pleasant oddness.

a quaint fishing village

When is it sensible to use eccentric instead of quaint?

The words eccentric and quaint are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, eccentric suggests a wide divergence from the usual or normal especially in behavior.

the eccentric eating habits of preschoolers

Where would erratic be a reasonable alternative to quaint?

While the synonyms erratic and quaint are close in meaning, erratic stresses a capricious and unpredictable wandering or deviating.

a friend's suddenly erratic behavior

When might odd be a better fit than quaint?

In some situations, the words odd and quaint are roughly equivalent. However, odd applies to a departure from the regular or expected.

an odd sense of humor

When could outlandish be used to replace quaint?

The synonyms outlandish and quaint are sometimes interchangeable, but outlandish applies to what is uncouth, bizarre, or barbaric.

outlandish fashions of the time

In what contexts can peculiar take the place of quaint?

Although the words peculiar and quaint have much in common, peculiar implies a marked distinctiveness.

the peculiar status of America's first lady

When would singular be a good substitute for quaint?

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

a singular feeling of impending disaster

When is strange a more appropriate choice than quaint?

While in some cases nearly identical to quaint, strange stresses unfamiliarity and may apply to the foreign, the unnatural, the unaccountable.

a journey filled with strange sights

When can unique be used instead of quaint?

The meanings of unique and quaint largely overlap; however, unique implies singularity and the fact of being without a known parallel.

a career unique in the annals of science

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 quaint The downtown strip is a taste of the big city tucked away in a quaint small community. —Paige Moore, AZCentral.com, 10 Feb. 2026 According to its website, The Franklinville Inn captures the quaint charm of days when Benjamin Franklin traveled through town to Cape May. —Courtney Cherry, CBS News, 6 Feb. 2026 Water taxis whisk travelers from the quaint little harbor to isolated beaches and tavernas. —Rick Steves, Chicago Tribune, 13 Jan. 2026 This quaint statement doesn’t come from a vintage 1950s advertisement, but rather from our current Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Martin Makary. —Patricia Bencivenga, STAT, 8 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for quaint
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quaint
  1. bizarre
  2. antique
  3. strange
  4. vintage
  5. funny
  6. retro
  7. odd
  8. antiquated
Adjective
  • But some of the violations are anything but mundane, hiding records that might shed light on some of DeSantis’ most bizarre and offensive stunts.
    — Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Mar. 2026
  • This is no small feat, given that real-life Silicon Valley stories often seem too bizarre to be true.
    — Marta Balaga, Variety, 21 Mar. 2026
Definition of bizarre
Adjective
  • On a cul-de-sac overlooking Rockport Harbor, the 1-plus-acre lot includes a balcony and terrace, an antique guest house, a beach area, and a three-car garage topped by bonus space.
    — The Week US, TheWeek, 23 Mar. 2026
  • They were unearthed by the eagle eye of wunderkind antique dealer Jamie Sharp, a rising star in the world of vintage treasures and, so, a natural partner for The Vault.
    — Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 17 Mar. 2026
Definition of antique
Adjective
  • The strange circumstances of his last weeks have the quality of a nightmare from which the Samsas awake.
    — Christine Smallwood, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026
  • But his arrest and conviction in 2024 had been preceded a year earlier by a strange story that appeared in the press and then disappeared almost as quickly.
    — K.J. Yossman, Variety, 24 Mar. 2026
Definition of strange
Adjective
  • The brand debuted its first-ever women’s denim collection this month, offering a vintage wide-leg jean and an oversize denim jacket in bone and light indigo washes.
    — Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 24 Mar. 2026
  • Tolle’s other concept, The Snack Shack, offers a vintage diner experience at 6018 Johnson Drive.
    — Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 24 Mar. 2026
Definition of vintage
Adjective
  • Why the Vaping Squirrels Trend Is Dangerous The viral clips might look funny, but the reality is far less cute.
    — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Mar. 2026
  • The explanation is kind of funny, but also very much a seasonal sign of renewal on the barrier islands.
    — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 26 Mar. 2026
Definition of funny
Adjective
  • Models strutting in retro pouffy wigs (the models literally look like ’60s mannequins), shirts with giant buttons, leather pants that look four sizes too huge.
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 21 Mar. 2026
  • Still, every so often Kate will add a little IYKYK flair—perhaps with an unexpected accessory, a diplomatic choice of handbag, or in this case, a retro coat dress from one of LFW’s favorite young designers.
    — Olivia Allen, Vogue, 18 Mar. 2026
Definition of retro
Adjective
  • The philosopher progressed—odd word!
    — Caleb Crain, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026
  • The adventurous rapper and producer take a more refined approach on a collaborative album full of wandering thoughts and odd, understated beats.
    — Stephen Kearse, Pitchfork, 24 Mar. 2026
Definition of odd
Adjective
  • Some studies used antiquated technology like ink wells and quill tips, so they were cut.
    — Ava Berger, NPR, 19 Mar. 2026
  • The aim would be to revive a range of sectors, from tourism and mining to fixing and updating the antiquated power grid.
    — George Solis, NBC news, 16 Mar. 2026
Definition of antiquated

Browse Nearby Words

quails
quaint
quais
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Cite this Entry

“Quaint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quaint. Accessed 27 Mar. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of quaint for Spanish Speakers

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