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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 Each explanation more outlandish and desperate than the last. Abc News, ABC News, 27 Feb. 2025 There are outlandish comedy routines — one involves swatting at acorns with a shovel — and an enhanced physicality in generality. Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 27 Feb. 2025 Now, in the show’s second season, Cromwell becomes the subject of outlandish gossip himself. Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2025 There’s nothing wrong with outlandish flights of fancy on the movie screen. Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 28 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for outlandish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outlandish
Adjective
  • Continue reading … 'THIS IS SO CRAZY' – DOGE reveals bizarre findings of unemployment insurance claims.
    FOXNews.com, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • This seemingly bizarre combination took Sellitto by surprise in the best way possible.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 12 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • There’s something inexorably romantic and swashbucklingly adventurous about commercial space travel—about normal people, non-astronauts like you and me, well, being astronauts.
    Raven Smith, Vogue, 15 Apr. 2025
  • The Dining Room serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, or arrange for a romantic oceanfront dinner on the beach.
    Cynthia J Drake, Southern Living, 14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • If some readers were befuddled by Mr. Holland’s strange and magical imagery, graphic artists were entranced.
    Penelope Green, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025
  • These stores typically feature eclectic collections of oddities, collectibles, curiosities, and decorative items that appeal to collectors and enthusiasts of the strange and unique.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Flooring may include exotic hardwoods or heated stone, and kitchens often feature professional-grade appliances, custom cabinetry, and designer fixtures.
    Rowan Briggs, Mercury News, 12 Apr. 2025
  • The White Lotus films at exotic locations across the world.
    Joe Reid, Vulture, 12 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • And makes a funny joke about giving Glenn Close an Oscar.
    Andy Hoglund, EW.com, 13 Apr. 2025
  • His being handsome, funny and not known for comedy was a real asset.
    Rosa Escandon, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • So those [neoclassical] artists are to me, in a very weird sense, the very earliest photographers—except their medium was oil on canvas.
    Mark Holgate, Vogue, 15 Apr. 2025
  • The first sign of Mom Fatigue is leaving weird stuff in the fridge.
    Olga Khazan, The Atlantic, 14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Curaçao With colorful Dutch architecture, multicultural charm, and an easygoing pace of life, Curaçao attracts sun-seekers from around the world.
    Kathleen Peddicord, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Best Restaurants Jack's Beach Bar Set on the sands of Princess Margaret Beach, Jack's Beach Bar embraces its barefoot, beachy feel while offering an elevated dining experience with fresh cuisine and colorful cocktails.
    Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 13 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The odd team out of that mix is headed to a play-in game Tuesday.
    Tim Reynolds, Chicago Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025
  • People had called, but Tommy wouldn’t answer — odd for a man Maryanne often chastised for taking too many calls at the dinner table.
    Kristina Goetz, USA Today, 13 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Outlandish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outlandish. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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