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Synonym Chooser

How is the word outlandish distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of outlandish are eccentric, erratic, odd, peculiar, quaint, singular, strange, and unique. While all these words mean "departing from what is ordinary, usual, or to be expected," outlandish applies to what is uncouth, bizarre, or barbaric.

outlandish fashions of the time

When is it sensible to use eccentric instead of outlandish?

The words eccentric and outlandish can be used in similar contexts, but eccentric suggests a wide divergence from the usual or normal especially in behavior.

the eccentric eating habits of preschoolers

In what contexts can erratic take the place of outlandish?

Although the words erratic and outlandish have much in common, erratic stresses a capricious and unpredictable wandering or deviating.

a friend's suddenly erratic behavior

When can odd be used instead of outlandish?

In some situations, the words odd and outlandish are roughly equivalent. However, odd applies to a departure from the regular or expected.

an odd sense of humor

When would peculiar be a good substitute for outlandish?

While the synonyms peculiar and outlandish are close in meaning, peculiar implies a marked distinctiveness.

the peculiar status of America's first lady

When could quaint be used to replace outlandish?

The meanings of quaint and outlandish largely overlap; however, quaint suggests an old-fashioned but pleasant oddness.

a quaint fishing village

When is singular a more appropriate choice than outlandish?

The words singular and outlandish are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, singular suggests individuality or puzzling strangeness.

a singular feeling of impending disaster

Where would strange be a reasonable alternative to outlandish?

While in some cases nearly identical to outlandish, strange stresses unfamiliarity and may apply to the foreign, the unnatural, the unaccountable.

a journey filled with strange sights

When might unique be a better fit than outlandish?

The synonyms unique and outlandish 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 outlandish The more outlandish the role, the freer an actor can be, says Gascón. Julian Sancton, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Jan. 2025 But the horror thriller’s outlandish second hour may have alienated SAG voters, who skipped over Grant despite Golden Globe and Critics Choice nods. Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 8 Jan. 2025 It has been sanctioned by the UN Security Council nine times for its nuclear activities and routinely makes outlandish threats about annihilating South Korea and its allies. Robert E. Kelly, Foreign Affairs, 30 Dec. 2024 By pinning the crazy, outlandish, unbelievable cover story on a crazy, outlandish, unbelievable man – Howard Hughes. David Szondy, New Atlas, 4 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for outlandish 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outlandish
Adjective
  • By Judy Berman January 17, 2025 6:00 AM EST The spectacular finale of Severance’s first season introduced a love triangle more bizarre than New Order could ever have imagined.
    Judy Berman, TIME, 17 Jan. 2025
  • Duran Duran has paid tribute to the late American filmmaker David Lynch, whose brilliant and bizarre films laid the inspirational groundwork for a young Nick Rhodes.
    Lars Brandle, Billboard, 17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • There may be great political power in Trump’s claims, but it is based upon a romantic and fundamentally deceptive historical tale.
    Julie Greene / Made by History, TIME, 22 Jan. 2025
  • The capital city's mélange of modern and medieval architecture, stunning symmetrical gardens, and vibrant café terraces add to its romantic allure — and that's all part of what makes Paris a city designed for strolling.
    Lane Nieset, Travel + Leisure, 22 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Their release marks just the latest twist in a long, strange road for both extremist leaders.
    Will Carless, USA TODAY, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Paleontologists have known something strange happened between the end of the Triassic Period and the beginning of the Jurassic for the better part of a century.
    Riley Black, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Dark matter might not interact with regular particles at all, or the interaction might happen through some exotic mechanism that doesn't involve the Higgs.
    Paul Sutter, Space.com, 20 Jan. 2025
  • Foster is skilled at making clients feel good about one or another technical novelty: the largest possible sheets of structural glass, an exotic new ventilation system, an arch holding up a stadium’s roof.
    Ian Parker, The New Yorker, 20 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The scene perfectly captures the absurdity of Toya throwing a party for her first Birkin—made even funnier by the group’s collective indifference.
    Shelby Stewart, Essence, 20 Jan. 2025
  • Here is a clip of Roy Keane saying something funny about Tranmere.
    Rory Smith, The Athletic, 19 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Skip to main content Our editors and critics choose the most captivating, notable, brilliant, surprising, absorbing, weird, thought-provoking, and talked-about reads.
    The New Yorker, The New Yorker, 22 Jan. 2025
  • There’s also the weird dynamic between Calgary ownership and their former GM Brad Treliving, which could make a deal difficult.
    Jonas Siegel, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Her program prioritizes outside time and operates out of several yurt-style classrooms brimming with natural light and colorful Montessori materials.
    Kerry McDonald, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025
  • Every home is haunted by its previous residents, but prewar apartments in the Village have particularly colorful ghosts.
    Michael Schulman, The New Yorker, 20 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • And not much tension is built into the film before then — just a long list of odd incidents without any sense of rising action.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 28 Jan. 2025
  • But the whole thing is oppressive and, in an odd way, not very interesting.
    Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 26 Jan. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Outlandish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outlandish. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.

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