Another word for unique
The best other words for unique are one-of-a-kind, remarkable, idiosyncratic and singular.
- Most formal
- idiosyncratic, singular, unparalleled
- Strongest
- unparalleled, matchless, peerless
- Casual
- one-of-a-kind, special
- Instead of “truly unique”
- distinctive, exceptional, one-of-a-kind
Unique /juˈniːk/ (adjective): Being the only one of its kind, or clearly unlike anything else. In simple words: The only one like it; very different from everything else. Below are 19 rated synonyms across 3 senses, plus 24 more related words. Tap a chip for its nuance and an example.
20 synonyms shown
One of a kind · adjective
the only one like it
Highly unusual · adjective
very uncommon or remarkable
Individual identity · adjective
separate and specific to one person or thing
Find the right strength and register
Drag the amber target to how strong and how formal you need the word to be. The three closest synonyms light up.
You asked for: equal strength, neutral register
- one-of-a-kind — plain, friendly emphasis on uniqueness
- distinctive — highlights recognizable features, not absolute uniqueness
- singular — emphasizes one-of-a-kind character
The dashed ring marks “unique” itself: neutral strength, neutral register.
Synonyms for unique in your sentence
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How to choose
Use unique sparingly in careful writing, because it is often overused as a vague compliment. For exact meaning, choose distinctive for recognizable traits, special for warm praise, or one-of-a-kind/singular when you mean truly alone in its kind.
Antonyms of unique
- common
- ordinary
- typical
- standard
- similar
- conventional
All synonyms at a glance
| Synonym | Strength | Formality | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| singular | 4/5 | formal | academic, business, creative |
| one-of-a-kind | 3/5 | casual | casual, business, creative |
| distinctive | 2/5 | neutral | academic, business, creative, casual |
| special | 2/5 | casual | casual, creative |
| unparalleled | 5/5 | formal | academic, business, creative |
| matchless | 5/5 | formal | creative, academic |
| peerless | 5/5 | formal | academic, creative |
| unusual | 2/5 | neutral | academic, business, creative, casual |
| rare | 3/5 | neutral | academic, business, creative, casual |
| uncommon | 2/5 | neutral | academic, business, creative, casual |
| exceptional | 4/5 | formal | academic, business, creative |
| remarkable | 3/5 | formal | academic, business, creative |
| striking | 3/5 | neutral | academic, business, creative, casual |
| individual | 2/5 | neutral | academic, business, creative, casual |
| personal | 2/5 | neutral | academic, business, creative, casual |
| particular | 2/5 | neutral | academic, business, creative, casual |
| specific | 2/5 | neutral | academic, business, creative, casual |
| idiosyncratic | 4/5 | academic | academic, creative |
| eccentric | 4/5 | neutral | academic, creative, casual |
Instead of “very unique”
One precise word usually beats an intensifier. See the full words instead of “very” list.
| Instead of | Try |
|---|---|
| truly unique | distinctive, exceptional, one-of-a-kind |
| utterly unique | completely unique, totally unique, absolutely unique |
| fairly unique | somewhat unique, rather unusual, quite distinct |
More words related to unique
Looser matches and phrases, unrated. Check the sense before you swap one in, or compare it with “unique”.
- one and only
- only
- sole
- alone
- single
- incomparable
- inimitable
- nonpareil
- irreplaceable
- unrepeatable
- unmatched
- unrivaled
- without equal
- not like others
- set apart
- different
- distinct
- personalized
- bespoke
- custom
- custom-made
- original
- novel
- fresh
Questions about synonyms for unique
What is the most formal or academic synonym for unique?
Singular is often the most formal option when you mean truly one of a kind. In academic or literary writing, peerless and matchless can also work, but they sound more elevated and expressive.
What is a stronger alternative to unique?
Unparalleled, peerless, and matchless are stronger than unique because they clearly suggest no equal. They are best for praise, especially in formal or literary contexts.
What is a milder alternative to unique?
Distinctive, unusual, and uncommon are milder because they do not claim absolute uniqueness. They are useful when you want to describe something as notable without overstating it.
What is another word for unique?
Common choices include one-of-a-kind, distinctive, and exceptional. If you mean “the only one like it,” phrases such as “without equal” or “unmatched” can work too.
What can I say instead of very unique?
Because unique already means “only one like it,” writers often use “truly unique,” “distinctive,” or “one-of-a-kind” instead. If you want a softer meaning, “unusual” or “special” may fit better.