Another Word for Unique: 13 Synonyms with Examples
“Unique” strictly means the only one of its kind. It is often used loosely to mean unusual, where a different word is more accurate.
As an adjective: being the only one of its kind
- one of a kind
- singular
- sole
- exclusive
- unrepeatable
- unmatched
As an adjective: unusual or remarkable (informal)
- distinctive
- unusual
- special
- remarkable
- rare
- original
- uncommon
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.
- distinctive
- Easy to recognise because of a particular feature. Often the word people actually mean.
- unusual
- Not common, but not necessarily one of a kind.
- rare
- Seldom found; implies scarcity or value.
- singular
- Formal and literary; it can also mean strange.
- unmatched
- Better than anything else of its kind.
Example sentences
- distinctive: The bird has a distinctive red crest.
- unusual: It is unusual to see snow here in April.
- rare: The library holds several rare manuscripts.
- one of a kind: Each handmade vase is one of a kind.
- unmatched: Her knowledge of the archive is unmatched.
Opposite of unique
More from WordNet
Less common or more specialised words WordNet lists for other senses of “unique”. Check the meaning before you use one.
adjective: alone, unequaled, unequalled, unparalleled
WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Used under the WordNet licence.
Frequently asked questions
What is another word for “unique”?
The most useful alternatives are “one of a kind”, “singular”, “sole”, “exclusive”, “unrepeatable”. For the main sense (being the only one of its kind), “one of a kind” is usually the closest swap.
What is the difference between “distinctive” and “unusual”?
distinctive: Easy to recognise because of a particular feature. Often the word people actually mean. unusual: Not common, but not necessarily one of a kind.
What is the opposite of “unique”?
Common antonyms are “common”, “ordinary”, “typical”, “usual”.