What Is Another Way to Say “Odd One Out”?

Looking for synonyms for odd one out? We’ve got you covered!

Here’s a list of other ways to say odd one out.

  • Misfit
  • Outlier
  • Anomaly
  • Exception
  • Aberration
  • Deviant
  • Oddity
  • Discrepancy
  • Irregularity
  • Outcast
  • Nonconformist
  • Eccentric
  • Square peg in a round hole
  • Maverick
  • Unconventional

Want to learn how to say odd one out professionally? Keep reading for examples and use cases.

1. Misfit

Appropriate for describing someone or something that does not fit well within a particular group or situation.

  • Example: Despite his expertise, he felt like a misfit in the corporate culture of the company.

2. Outlier

Used in statistics to describe a data point that differs significantly from other observations, but can also refer to anything or anyone that stands out from the rest in any context.

  • Example: The company’s rapid growth was an outlier in the industry, far exceeding average performance.

3. Anomaly

Appropriate for situations, results, or occurrences that deviate from what is standard, normal, or expected.

  • Example: The sudden drop in sales this quarter is an anomaly that warrants further investigation.

4. Exception

Used to describe a person or thing that is excluded from a general statement or does not follow a rule.

  • Example: She was the exception in her family, choosing to pursue art over a business career.

5. Aberration

Refers to something that is a departure from what is normal, usual, or expected, typically one that is unwelcome.

  • Example: The data error was an aberration that skewed the overall analysis.

6. Deviant

Suitable for describing behavior or actions that deviate sharply from the accepted norms.

  • Example: The deviant results from the experiment suggest there was a variable we failed to control.

7. Oddity

Appropriate for something or someone that is strange or peculiar.

  • Example: His unconventional approach to solving problems made him an oddity in the traditional firm.

8. Discrepancy

Used when there are differences or inconsistencies among facts, figures, or actions.

  • Example: The discrepancy between the two reports raised questions about the accuracy of the data.

9. Irregularity

Refers to something that is not consistent with what is usual, normal, or expected in form or pattern.

  • Example: The audit revealed some irregularities in the financial statements that needed clarification.

10. Outcast

Appropriate for someone who is rejected or cast out by society or a particular group.

  • Example: Once celebrated, the former CEO became an outcast after the scandal.

11. Nonconformist

Used to describe someone who does not conform to prevailing ideas or practices.

  • Example: Her nonconformist views on management made her a standout leader in the industry.

12. Eccentric

Suitable for someone whose behavior or thinking is unconventional or strange.

  • Example: The inventor was known for his eccentric habits, often leading to breakthrough innovations.

13. Square peg in a round hole

A metaphor for someone or something that does not fit into a particular role or situation.

  • Example: As a creative in a highly regimented company, he felt like a square peg in a round hole.

14. Maverick

Refers to someone who is independent in thought and action, often refusing to adhere to the norms of a group.

  • Example: Her maverick approach to marketing revolutionized how the company reached its audience.

15. Unconventional

Appropriate for methods, ideas, or individuals that are not based on or conforming to what is generally done or believed.

  • Example: His unconventional strategy for the project proved successful, albeit surprising to many.

Linda Brown