BIZARRE Synonyms: 134 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'bizarre' different from other adjectives like it?

The words fantastic and grotesque are common synonyms of bizarre . While all three words mean "conceived, made, or carried out without adherence to truth or reality," bizarre applies to the sensationally strange and implies violence of contrast or incongruity of combination. // a bizarre medieval castle in the heart of a modern city

Q: When can 'fantastic' be used instead of 'bizarre'?

While the synonyms fantastic and bizarre are close in meaning, fantastic may connote extravagance in conception or ingenuity of decorative invention. // dreamed up fantastic rumors

Q: When might 'grotesque' be a better fit than 'bizarre'?

Although the words grotesque and bizarre have much in common, grotesque may apply to what is conventionally ugly but artistically effective or it may connote ludicrous awkwardness or incongruity often with sinister or tragic overtones. // grotesque statues on the cathedral // though grieving, she made a grotesque attempt at a smile

bizarre

adjective

bə-ˈzär

Definition of bizarre next

as in absurd

conceived or made without regard for reason or reality a bizarre invention that no one could figure out how to use

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in strange

different from the ordinary in a way that causes curiosity or suspicion he gave a bizarre excuse for getting home so late

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word bizarre different from other adjectives like it?

The words fantastic and grotesque are common synonyms of bizarre. While all three words mean "conceived, made, or carried out without adherence to truth or reality," bizarre applies to the sensationally strange and implies violence of contrast or incongruity of combination.

a bizarre medieval castle in the heart of a modern city

When can fantastic be used instead of bizarre?

While the synonyms fantastic and bizarre are close in meaning, fantastic may connote extravagance in conception or ingenuity of decorative invention.

dreamed up fantastic rumors

When might grotesque be a better fit than bizarre?

Although the words grotesque and bizarre have much in common, grotesque may apply to what is conventionally ugly but artistically effective or it may connote ludicrous awkwardness or incongruity often with sinister or tragic overtones.

grotesque statues on the cathedral

though grieving, she made a grotesque attempt at a smile

Examples 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 bizarre This creates the bizarre situation where a profit on paper is made by the production company behind a film which makes a loss in its theatrical run. —

Caroline Reid, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024 Alaska currently has one of the most bizarre state legislatures, with the majority in both chambers being made up of members of multiple parties. —

Cooper Burton, ABC News, 31 Oct. 2024 Another day, another bizarre internet trend crossing over into real life. —

Callum Booth, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024 To file, debtors owe an up-front fee that can exceed $1,000—a bizarre catch-22 for someone who can’t afford to pay their bills. —

Michael Waters, The Atlantic, 30 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for bizarre

Recent Examples of Synonyms for bizarre

Adjective

This absurd claim is an extension of their relentless obsession to remove checks and balances within our government.

Marina Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 5 Nov. 2024
The three books so far are deeply romantic, gorgeously tragic, smart as hell, and written in this absurd baroque, irreverent language.

Constance Grady, Vox, 4 Nov. 2024