Another Word for Individual: 17 Synonyms with Examples
As a noun, an individual is a single person; as an adjective it means single, separate or distinctive. Swap it to sound less formal or to stress uniqueness.
As a noun: a single person
- person
- human being
- someone
- character
- soul
As an adjective: single or separate
- single
- separate
- particular
- specific
- distinct
- personal
- own
As an adjective: distinctive or original
- distinctive
- unique
- original
- characteristic
- personal
- unusual
Need a different word?Look up any word in the synonym finder →
How they differ
Synonyms share a meaning, not always a tone. Here is when to pick each of the main options.
- person
- The plainest swap for the noun.
- single
- Stresses one thing on its own rather than a group.
- separate
- Stresses that things are apart from each other.
- particular
- Points to one specific case among many.
- distinctive
- Easy to recognise because it is different.
- original
- New and not copied from anyone else.
Example sentences
- person: Only one person can use the changing room at a time.
- single: Not a single ticket was left by noon.
- separate: The two cases are separate and will be heard on different days.
- particular: This particular model is no longer made.
- distinctive: She has a distinctive laugh you can hear across the room.
- original: His paintings have a very original style.
Opposite of individual
More from WordNet
Less common or more specialised words WordNet lists for other senses of “individual”. Check the meaning before you use one.
adjective: private
noun: somebody, mortal
WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Used under the WordNet licence.
Frequently asked questions
What is another word for “individual”?
The most useful alternatives are “person”, “human being”, “someone”, “character”, “soul”. For the main sense (a single person), “person” is usually the closest swap.
What is the difference between “person” and “single”?
person: The plainest swap for the noun. single: Stresses one thing on its own rather than a group.
What is the opposite of “individual”?
Common antonyms are “group”, “collective”, “shared”, “common”.