QUAINT Synonyms: 194 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

quaint

adjective

ˈkwānt

Definition of quaint

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

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 quaint two-bedroom bungalow oozes vintage vibe with its 1930s-style decor, antiques, and bits of Andy Griffithmemorabilia throughout—the lemon-yellow kitchen feels like a sunny embodiment of Mayberry itself. — Kristy Tolley, Travel + Leisure, 6 Aug. 2026 According to the book’s official synopsis, the mystery novel is set in the summer of 1910 in the quaint English market town of Haxford, where detective Scorbion is called to investigate a series of murders. — Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 4 Aug. 2026 This quaint European bistro offers a menu that would do any similarly modest establishment in Paris proud. — Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026 The stadium After 53 years in one of the league’s quaintest venues, the Bills are moving into a new and (maybe) improved Highmark Stadium this year. — Josh Kendall, New York Times, 28 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for quaint

Recent Examples of Synonyms for quaint

Adjective

The idea that these two would have a five-minute-or-less breakup conversation, then plop down on the couch and happily embark on an acid trip together, strains credulity a little, even for this bizarre, codependent friend group.

— Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
Twenty-eight million views on YouTube certified the bizarre piece as a fan favorite.

— Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of bizarre

Adjective

Prince Felix of Bourbon-Parma sent a set of antique jewels from the grand ducal family to the Parisian jewelry house.

— Giorgia Olivieri, Vanity Fair, 28 Aug. 2026
Taylor’s fourth husband was responsible for many of her most famous baubles, including an antique diamond tiara and a Cartier ruby and diamond suite.

— Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of antique

Adjective

Some are quieter this year, some are almost ridiculous, but all of them share a strange sense of purpose.

— Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
His attempt to discover what he is supposed to be doing propels him through a succession of increasingly strange encounters, as his search for purpose becomes entangled with his desire for love, friendship and some kind of place in the world.

— Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of strange

Adjective

Kofi Kingston performed a vintage elimination save spot with help from Prince Nana as the two wheelbarrowed back into the ring.

— Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Birmingham is popular with motorcycle and auto racing fans because of the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, which boasts the largest collection of vintage motorcycles and Lotus race cars.

— Michael Salerno, AZCentral.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of vintage

Adjective

The end result is Murder Bites, my funny, quirky mystery that takes place in a small town where everyone is obsessed with their tiny designer dogs.

— Mimi Montgomery, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026
What is sort of funny is imagining how immersion in the city’s cultural scene fits into Vanderbilt’s broader ambitions.

— Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of funny

Adjective

Sincerity and audacity are not opposing forces but complementary ones in this space, and for writers, retro programmers, and other film fans who came of age after midnight at the movies, Curry’s impact persists as its own kind of religion.

— Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 26 Aug. 2026
The curvy wood frame and oversized door pulls give the Scandi-centric piece a bit of retro appeal without feeling dated.

— Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of retro

Adjective

Costco online cake ordering updates antiquated system The online cake ordering feature was first revealed to be on the way by Costco CEO Ron Vachris in the company's quarterly earnings call in December 2025.

— Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026
Additionally, interviews and encounters with the slain officers’ family members also illustrate the cost and harm of a job that was formed in the early 19th century and remains antiquated and unchanged in our 21st-century world.

— Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of antiquated

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quails

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quais

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“Quaint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quaint. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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