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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

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 bizarre This is why Topher Grace’s arrival in the series is such a bizarre pleasure. Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 19 June 2025 When sheets of rain descended upon Oakmont on Sunday afternoon and an army of groundskeepers started taking squeegees and towels to the fairways, a tumultuous finish and bizarre turn became inevitable at this U.S. Open. Gabby Herzig, New York Times, 16 June 2025 The bizarre John Huston picture The Misfits (1961) reflects the typical problems endangering Hollywood third acts. Peter Bart, Deadline, 12 June 2025 The bizarre blackouts are first explained with a bizarre hit-and-run that shook Larkin months earlier. Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 8 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for bizarre
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bizarre
Adjective
  • The nutrient can indeed help with all of those, but sometimes, the claims turn absurd.
    Lila Shroff, The Atlantic, 20 June 2025
  • The College World Series semifinals concluded Wednesday, allowing Houston Astros manager Joe Espada another chance to marvel at an absurd ascension.
    Chandler Rome, New York Times, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • The Dominican Republic had a moment of its own to celebrate in the 51st minute, though its first-ever Gold Cup goal came in strange circumstances.
    Jon Arnold, New York Times, 15 June 2025
  • New York seems to be working with the impression that Kidd won't be available, but stranger things have happened before.
    Matt Levine, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 June 2025
Adjective
  • Amanda learned in like 10 seconds, which is insane.
    Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Mar. 2025
  • The emu egg—a two pound, eight-inch ovoid with a sultry teal shell gently speckled in pale green—seemed like just the right absurdist final flourish for an already insane endeavor.
    Helen Rosner, The New Yorker, 23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • More Getty Images Adam Scott's weird practice round revealed As Scott prepares for the final showdown, a viral video has added much more interest in his golf swing.
    Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 June 2025
  • Plus there are the weird noises coming from a locked backroom upstairs.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 14 June 2025
Adjective
  • Making a prediction for Game 7 is obviously foolish.
    The Athletic NBA Staff, New York Times, 22 June 2025
  • This seems foolish since the U.S. has some 25-30% of the world’s coal, which is even more than China.
    Jude Clemente, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
Adjective
  • Personal journey: Arriving in Miami from Cuba as a teenager, Arnaz initially worked odd jobs before reinventing himself as a musician, leading to a successful career that included collaborations with notable band leaders and performances in New York and Miami Beach.
    Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 21 June 2025
  • In the video, Boone is in debt $10 million to his record label and has to raise enough cash to pay them back doing odd jobs.
    Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • People on social media have been commenting about the idea of only one person surviving the crash, calling it unreal, remarkable, a work of divine intervention, and a miracle.
    Lisa Baumann, Chicago Tribune, 13 June 2025
  • The Antigua and Barbuda Culinary month and the energy surrounding it, is just one example of how one small place can create a powerful, reverberating experience that goes well beyond those unreal sunsets and too beautiful blue waters.
    Kristin L. Wolfe, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
Adjective
  • Roman is my kind of Virgil—chatty, funny, forgiving, sharp.
    Marina Harss, New Yorker, 13 June 2025
  • From funny reactions to adorable giggles, see some of the best moments from Thursday's big game Comments Taylor Swift is back in her sporty era!
    Alexandra Schonfeld, People.com, 13 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Bizarre.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bizarre. Accessed 28 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on bizarre

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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