idiosyncrasy
noun
id·i·o·syn·cra·sy
ˌi-dē-ə-ˈsiŋ-krə-sē 
plural idiosyncrasies
1
a
: a peculiarity of constitution or temperament : an individualizing characteristic or quality
b
: individual hypersensitiveness (as to a drug or food)
2
: characteristic peculiarity (as of temperament)
broadly
: eccentricity
Synonyms
Examples of idiosyncrasy in a Sentence
Her habit of using “like” in every sentence was just one of her idiosyncrasies.
The current system has a few idiosyncrasies.
Recent Examples on the Web
Reading Sand-Catcher in late 2024, as the terrible violence in Gaza and Lebanon continues, is a poignant reminder that each picture, each death recorded, represents an individual, a whole world of dreams, ideas, and idiosyncrasies.
—
Bekah Waalkes, The Atlantic, 5 Dec. 2024
She's surrounded by superiors ranging from idiotic to delusional, like Joyce (who's on the far end of the delusional side) and doctors Ron (Grier) and Bruce (Josh Lawson), each with their own idiosyncrasies that drive everyone crazy.
—Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 12 Nov. 2024
In some cases, the unit image is simply a tribute to a local in-house curiosity or idiosyncrasy.
—Kerry J. Byrne Fox News, Fox News, 6 Oct. 2024
Her flair for humor, going to core of the characters’ neuroses and idiosyncrasies, as well as for drama, plumbing the depths of their fears and demons, resulted in wide-ranging performances.
—Duane Byrge, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Sep. 2024
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Bekah Waalkes, The Atlantic, 5 Dec. 2024
She's surrounded by superiors ranging from idiotic to delusional, like Joyce (who's on the far end of the delusional side) and doctors Ron (Grier) and Bruce (Josh Lawson), each with their own idiosyncrasies that drive everyone crazy.
—Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 12 Nov. 2024
In some cases, the unit image is simply a tribute to a local in-house curiosity or idiosyncrasy.
—Kerry J. Byrne Fox News, Fox News, 6 Oct. 2024
Her flair for humor, going to core of the characters’ neuroses and idiosyncrasies, as well as for drama, plumbing the depths of their fears and demons, resulted in wide-ranging performances.
—Duane Byrge, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for idiosyncrasy
Dictionary Entries Near idiosyncrasy
Cite this Entry
“Idiosyncrasy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/idiosyncrasy. Accessed 24 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
idiosyncrasy
noun
id·io·syn·cra·sy
ˌid-ē-ə-ˈsiŋ-krə-sē
plural idiosyncrasies
1
: a peculiarity of physical or mental constitution or temperament
2
: individual hypersensitiveness (as to a drug or food)
anemia accompanying the use of a sulfa drug is usually considered to be due to idiosyncrasy
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