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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 This is certainly not the first time a frustrated parent has taken to Reddit to complain about outlandish birthday party demands, but this one feels unique. Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 14 May 2025 This feels a bit forced and corny, and the director becomes even more outlandish depicting Maggi’s dreams as their relationship feels fully unsalvageable: a rooster disturbs him in real life, then visits him in giant, anthropomorphized form in his dream to injure him or worse. David Katz, IndieWire, 18 May 2025 Of course, with a story set roughly 40,000 years into the future, there were also several opportunities to have fun with outlandish and almost fantasy-like concepts. Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 16 May 2025 Throughout high school, McDowell funded their more outlandish creative pursuits by selling upcycled bags to classmates, teachers and family friends. Bella Webb, Vogue, 13 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for outlandish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outlandish
Adjective
  • Joining me is my Staten Island brother, Pete Davidson, who unveils a darker, dramatic side as his character navigates a bizarre group of residents in an old age home.
    Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 29 May 2025
  • Part of that stems from fewer bizarre storytelling choices (good!), and part of it is a byproduct of an overly cautious attitude toward character development (bad).
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 28 May 2025
Adjective
  • Pierre’s character steps in as Taylor’s romantic interest with a steamy makeout session.
    DeMicia Inman, VIBE.com, 3 June 2025
  • Sundae Shoppe Italian Gelato Cups For a romantic picnic this summer, stock your cooler with a pair of these Sundae Shoppe Italian Gelato Cups.
    Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 June 2025
Adjective
  • After coming to the Mets at the trade deadline, Blackburn had a serious of strange injuries, getting hit by a line drive on his hand, and then suffering from a spinal fluid leak that required surgery.
    Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 3 June 2025
  • The dense central region — a strange melding of concentric bubbles and chaotic dusty structures imaged by NASA's Hubble Space Telescope — can also be spotted shining brightly at the heart of the image.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 2 June 2025
Adjective
  • The alliance worked with numerous nonprofit organizations and programs to protect, rescue, train and care for animals and preserve their habitat, while raising public awareness about issues that concern domestic, farm, exotic, wild and native animals.
    Christie D’Zurilla, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2025
  • The 1,600-year-old mosaic intricately details scenes of hunting, exotic animals, mythological figures, fruit, and daily life within 55 medallions.
    Francesca Aton for ArtNews, Robb Report, 29 May 2025
Adjective
  • Because to us, the most funny things are right next to the most tragic things.
    Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2025
  • There are enough quotable lines of dialogue in the movie’s first half to remind you why Succession was, pound for pound, one of the most profanely funny shows on TV during its run.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 31 May 2025
Adjective
  • Can't wait for the weird personality quirks and side eye of judgment.
    Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 June 2025
  • Historically, Nintendo has had a weird relationship with the internet.
    Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 3 June 2025
Adjective
  • Two panoramic terraces look out onto Positano and the sea, framed by leafy plants, colorful throw pillows and flapping curtains that add a touch of mystic to the whole ambiance.
    Livia Hengel, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
  • Savor fresh seafood and waterfront views at area restaurants, enjoy craft beer at local breweries, and shop locally at The District, a colorful collection of shops and restaurants.
    Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 1 June 2025
Adjective
  • Speaking of the first movie, that has to be an odd scene to do with Tom Cruise just hanging above you the entire time.
    Mike Ryan, IndieWire, 27 May 2025
  • This led to a delay of the next test flight and an odd resolution between the company and the regulator that was not publicly disclosed but amounts to a slap on the wrist.
    Eric Mack, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Outlandish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outlandish. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

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