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Unique is a word that is often used to describe something that is one of a kind or unlike anything else. However, when writing, it is important to vary your language and not use the same word repeatedly. This is where synonyms come in. Synonyms are words that have similar meanings to another word, and in the case of unique, there are several synonyms that can be used to add variety to your writing.
Unique Synonyms
What Is Unique?
Unique is an adjective used to describe something that is one of a kind or unlike anything else. It can also refer to something that is rare or unusual. The word unique is often used to emphasize the distinctiveness of something, and it is often used to describe a person’s individuality or a product’s originality.
Examples:
- The company’s commitment to innovation sets it apart as unique in the industry.
- We were drawn to the unique architecture of the historic building.
- The unique blend of flavors in the dish made it a memorable dining experience.
List of Synonyms for Unique
- Aberrant
- Abnormal
- Alone
- Amazing
- Anomalous
- Atypical
- Beyond compare
- Bizarre
- Characteristic
- Clear
- Curious
- Different
- Distinct
- Distinctive
- Distinguished
- Eccentric
- Especial
- Exceptional
- Exclusive
- Extraordinary
- Far-out
- First and last
- Freakish
- Free
- Idiosyncratic
- Incomparable
- Incredible
- Individual
- Inimitable
- Irregular
- Isolated
- Just
- Less
- Lone
- Matchless
- Nonexistent
- Nonpareil
- Noteworthy
- Novel
- Odd
- Oddball
- Offbeat
- One
- One and only
- One of a kind
- One-of-a-kind
- One-off
- One-time
- Only
- Out of the ordinary
- Outlandish
- Outstanding
- Particular
- Peculiar
- Peerless
- Personal
- Phenomenal
- Private
- Quaint
- Queer
- Rare
- Remarkable
- Salient
- Second to none
- Separate
- Signal
- Single
- Singular
- Sole
- Solitary
- Solo
- Special
- Specific
- Spectacular
- Strange
- Sui generis
- Uncommon
- Unconventional
- Unequaled
- Unequalled
- Unexampled
- Unexcelled
- Unicity
- Uniquely
- Uniqueness
- Univocal
- Unknown
- Unmatched
- Unparalleled
- Unprecedented
- Unrepeatable
- Unrivaled
- Unrivalled
- Unsurpassable
- Unsurpassed
- Unthinkable
- Unusual
- Unwonted
- Weird
- Without equal
Types of Synonyms for Unique
Uncommon
- Exceptional
- Rare
- Extraordinary
Original
- Distinctive
- Individual
- Innovative
One-of-a-kind
- Exclusive
- Unparalleled
- Singular
Special
- Exceptional
- Remarkable
- Incomparable
Unusual
- Rare
- Uncommon
- Exceptional
Common Synonyms for Unique
Unique vs. Special
Something that is unique is one-of-a-kind and cannot be replicated, while something that is special is exceptional or noteworthy in some way.
- The antique necklace was unique; no other piece in the collection resembled it.
- Her grandmother’s recipe for apple pie was special to her, as it held cherished memories of baking together.
Unique vs. Rare
Rare refers specifically to something that is scarce or uncommon. While something that is unique may also be rare, not everything that is rare is necessarily unique.
- Her ability to speak five languages fluently was unique; very few people possessed such a skill.
- The snowfall in the desert was rare; it had not been seen in over a century.
Unique vs. Uncommon
“Unique” refers to something that is one of a kind, unparalleled, or distinct. It implies that there is only one of its kind. “Uncommon,” refers to something that is not frequently encountered or found. It suggests that the thing is not often seen or experienced.
- His approach to problem-solving was unique; it was innovative and distinctive compared to the standard methods.
- The type of flower she discovered in the forest was uncommon; it was not frequently found in that region.
Synonyms for Unique in Different Contexts
Linguistic Variations
In Academic Writing
- Distinctive: The study found a distinctive pattern of behavior in the subjects.
- Uncommon: The theory proposes an uncommon explanation for the phenomenon.
- Singular: The singular nature of the discovery made it a significant contribution to the field.
In Literature
- Singular: The singular beauty of the landscape took your breath away.
- Incomparable: Her incomparable talent as a musician made her a legend in her time.
- Matchless: His matchless bravery in the face of danger inspired his comrades.
In Colloquial Language
- One-of-a-kind: That restaurant is one-of-a-kind, you won’t find anything like it anywhere else.
- Special: This gift is really special, I know you’ll love it.
- Different: Your taste in music is so different from mine, it’s what makes our friendship unique.
- Out of the ordinary: The sudden appearance of a double rainbow during the winter was truly out of the ordinary.
In Art and Design
- Distinctive: The artist’s work is always distinctive and easily recognizable.
- Original: The designer’s approach to fashion is original and refreshing
- Singular: The singular sculpture in the gallery caught your eye immediately.
In Technology
- Innovative: The company’s innovative approach to software development sets it apart from its competitors.
- Groundbreaking: The groundbreaking technology used in this product is unlike anything else on the market
- Unparalleled: The unparalleled speed and efficiency of this new processor make it a game-changer in the industry.
Absolute and Near Synonyms for Unique with Meanings
Absolute Synonyms for Unique
Word | Meaning |
---|---|
Uncommon | Not frequently found or encountered; rare |
Distinctive | Having a special quality, style, or appearance that makes something different and easily recognizable |
Singular | Being the only one of its kind; unique or exceptional |
Near Synonyms for Unique
Word | Meaning |
---|---|
Rare | Not commonly found, unusual |
Unusual | Different from what is expected or normal |
Original | New and innovative, not seen before |
Exclusive | Available only to a select group of people, unique in that sense |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are alternative words for ‘unique’ in English?
There are many alternative words for ‘unique’ in English, such as distinctive, exclusive, rare, special, unparalleled, and unusual. Each of these words has a slightly different meaning, but all of them convey the idea of something that is one-of-a-kind or different from anything else.
How can one describe a ‘unique person’ using different terminology?
A ‘unique person’ can be described using different terminology, such as an individual, a one-off, a singular person, or a person with a special quality or talent. The key is to find words that capture the essence of what makes that person unique and different from others.
What are some synonyms for ‘rare’ that could also apply to ‘unique’?
Some synonyms for ‘rare’ that could also apply to ‘unique’ include uncommon, exceptional, extraordinary, incomparable, and singular. These words all convey the idea of something that is rare or unusual, and therefore valuable or special.
Can you list several English words synonymous with ‘uniqueness’?
Several English words synonymous with ‘uniqueness’ include distinctiveness, individuality, originality, singularity, and uncommonness. Each of these words conveys the idea of something that is one-of-a-kind or different from anything else.
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