Definition of erraticnext
1
2
3
4

Synonym Chooser

How is the word erratic distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of erratic are eccentric, odd, outlandish, peculiar, quaint, singular, strange, and unique. While all these words mean "departing from what is ordinary, usual, or to be expected," erratic stresses a capricious and unpredictable wandering or deviating.

a friend's suddenly erratic behavior

When is eccentric a more appropriate choice than erratic?

The words eccentric and erratic 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

When can odd be used instead of erratic?

The meanings of odd and erratic largely overlap; however, odd applies to a departure from the regular or expected.

an odd sense of humor

When could outlandish be used to replace erratic?

The words outlandish and erratic can be used in similar contexts, but outlandish applies to what is uncouth, bizarre, or barbaric.

outlandish fashions of the time

Where would peculiar be a reasonable alternative to erratic?

Although the words peculiar and erratic have much in common, peculiar implies a marked distinctiveness.

the peculiar status of America's first lady

In what contexts can quaint take the place of erratic?

While in some cases nearly identical to erratic, quaint suggests an old-fashioned but pleasant oddness.

a quaint fishing village

When might singular be a better fit than erratic?

In some situations, the words singular and erratic are roughly equivalent. However, singular suggests individuality or puzzling strangeness.

a singular feeling of impending disaster

When would strange be a good substitute for erratic?

While the synonyms strange and erratic are close in meaning, strange stresses unfamiliarity and may apply to the foreign, the unnatural, the unaccountable.

a journey filled with strange sights

When is it sensible to use unique instead of erratic?

The synonyms unique and erratic are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 erratic This erratic behavior of the president is very concerning. Kiara Moore, The Washington Examiner, 24 June 2026 Weather officials say erratic winds have been sending smoke to different parts of the region this weekend. Kayla Bartkowski, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2026 That, of course, was shown at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, where the Jabulani grabbed headlines for its erratic and unpredictable movement — so much so that there’s a Wikipedia page dedicated to its criticisms. Liam Tharme, New York Times, 20 June 2026 Dry lightning and erratic thunderstorm winds could spark fast-growing wildfires south of Lake Tahoe, as red flag warnings expand across parts of the eastern Sierra, far Northern California and Nevada, forecasters said. Reeti Malhotra, Sacbee.com, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for erratic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for erratic
Adjective
  • Luka Dončić got traded at midnight on a random Saturday in February.
    David Aldridge, New York Times, 2 July 2026
  • Pinned to their random assortment of hats were scrawled, handmade signs proclaiming liberty or death.
    Sarah M.S. Pearsall, The Conversation, 2 July 2026
Adjective
  • The only other competitors were the Anglo-French Concorde and the sporadic Soviet Tupolev Tu-144 program.
    David Szondy July 02, New Atlas, 2 July 2026
  • Redevelopment in downtown Miami and the accidental discovery of the mysterious Miami Circle in 1998 have ushered in a quarter-century of sporadic but remarkable archaeological revelations.
    Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 30 June 2026
Adjective
  • In some studies, gloves not changed between tasks had higher bacterial counts and could transfer germs just as easily as ungloved hands, underscoring the need for frequent changing and proper hand hygiene.
    Evan Moore December 19, Charlotte Observer, 19 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • When this place is eventually gone — a phrase that feels truly bizarre given the environment this summer and the half-century preceding it — the lasting images will be the seas of red.
    Sam McDowell Updated July 3, Kansas City Star, 4 July 2026
  • Continue reading … 'DEEPLY WEIRD' — CNN panel's bizarre 'read as Jewish' comment about a senator draws fierce blowback.
    , FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
Adjective
  • The right conversation could turn scattered effort into a working plan.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 5 July 2026
  • If your data is messy, scattered or stale, the AI output fails.
    Sagi Eliyahu, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • Expanding its use displaces coal in Asia and supports the integration of intermittent renewables by providing flexible backup.
    David Blackmon, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • Research has shown, for example, that intermittent fasting may be as effective as low-calorie diets for weight loss.
    Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 29 June 2026
Adjective
  • Household financial resilience also remains uneven, even when many adults report doing okay or living comfortably.
    Henrik Totterman, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
  • The uneven workmanship of the double stitching suggests the giant flag was likely made by amateurs, curators with the historical society have determined.
    Rebekah Riess, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
Adjective
  • Others may miss the warmth of a person who can read the room, handle a strange request or help when something goes wrong.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
  • Canada coach Jesse Marsch gives strange interview after Morocco World Cup loss.
    Alex Connor, USA Today, 5 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Erratic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/erratic. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on erratic

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster