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 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 Here, Atkins blends bold arthouse bravado with the quaint charm of home video to create tangible proof that the hallmarks of authenticity are changing before our very eyes — in real life and onscreen. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 27 July 2026 The quaint downtown is easily walkable and peppered with shops that have been family run for generations and restaurants loved by all ages. — Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for quaint

Recent Examples of Synonyms for quaint

Adjective

But Ecuadorian authorities have remained mostly silent about the bizarre incidents.

— Michael Rios, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026
Bobby’s color palette is bizarre, and her idea of a sash that transforms into a shawl scarf is really cool but executed poorly.

— Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of bizarre

Adjective

The 1950s coffee table is topped with an antique metal Korean grain smasher.

— Hannah Martin, Architectural Digest, 14 Aug. 2026
Sumptuously furnished with vintage and antique decor, the rooms make a statement through bold colors, custom kimono bathrobes, and handmade Hästens beds.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of antique

Adjective

The explanation behind this family man’s strange case is well chronicled in many Chicago and New York news stories.

— Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026
Symptoms include anxiety, hypervigilance, confusion and mania, and taking on activities that might be considered strange.

— Deborah Becker, NPR, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of strange

Adjective

The Soft Symmetry is crafted in both a smooth calf leather, with a gleaming gold lock closure, and a vintage leather, with accompanying matte silver hardware that gives it an intentionally patinaed look and slouchy feel.

— Talia Abbas, Vogue, 17 Aug. 2026
The rooms are furnished with just the right amount of country Western kitsch, complete with a wood-burning fireplace, Pendleton blankets, and vintage paintings.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of vintage

Adjective

Roughly 10 miles from downtown in North Austin’s Domain district, this four-acre western-style retro hotel is near tech offices and steps from a wide mix of dining, designer shopping, and Rock Rose, the area’s nightlife hub.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026
Habity Design The Habity bedside clock looks like a familiar retro alarm clock, but inside sits a low-power e-paper screen, a speaker, and a small collection of calming sounds.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of retro

Adjective

The revisions by Takaichi's government to the antiquated law is meant to solidify the principle of the crucial imperial bloodline but pushes aside the emperor’s daughter.

— ABC News, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026
Viewed through a 2026 lens, this now antiquated process seems like a herculean undertaking, one that somehow worked.

— Michael Ashley, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of antiquated

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“Quaint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quaint. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of quaint

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