1
2

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

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 outlandish In recent years, scientists have proposed an even more outlandish explanation: The plumes are hydrothermal ejecta from an underground ocean. Shi En Kim, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Nov. 2024 What began as a personal project to capture President Trump’s unprecedented and often outlandish remarks, however, soon grew, when Weymar opened Tiny Pricks Project to the public. Gabby Shacknai, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024 For an architect to do something that kind of outlandish is a very un-government feeling, to me at least. Owen Davies, Curbed, 4 Nov. 2024 In the wake of hurricanes Helene and Milton, an outlandish conspiracy theory about the Federal Emergency Management Agency that has percolated for decades started to reappear online. Bruna Horvath, NBC News, 27 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for outlandish 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outlandish
Adjective
  • Karin is not your typical sweet anime girl, and the narrative is bizarre, unexpected and hilarious.
    Michael Ordoña, Los Angeles Times, 20 Nov. 2024
  • By Samantha Riedel Sarah McBride Will Officially Be the First Trans Member of U.S. Congress By Nico Lang Amid a packed schedule of eclectic, bizarre, and hilarious series on the Dropout streaming service, Very Important People has already established itself as one of the platform’s finest.
    Samantha Allen, Them, 20 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The two had a romantic relationship, according to federal prosecutors. Gratz, 26, of Circle Pines, pleaded guilty to the same charge in September 2022.
    Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 12 Nov. 2024
  • Scavenger Hunt Challenges include a chance to recreate the Cardigan music video, a Shake It Off dance challenge, a Fearless pose, and a romantic Love Story re-enactment.
    Miriam Porter, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • One day, a student noticed something strange: One of the rats in the group trained to expect positive experiences had its tail straight up with a crook at the end, resembling the handle of an old-fashioned umbrella.
    Kelly Lambert, Discover Magazine, 14 Nov. 2024
  • The result was a strange hodgepodge of a TV series — novel and interesting in hindsight, but maybe not distinct enough to inspire a spot on the DVR at the time.
    Joshua Rivera, Vulture, 13 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Craft your own fragrances with the exotic plants at Eden’s Garden, or revel in the meditative activity of pottery making at the Clay Club.
    Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 27 Nov. 2024
  • Inspired by the Amazonian rainforest at dawn, this boasts a sensually exotic smell similar to the natural resin found in the Brazilian jungle.
    Janelle Okwodu, Vogue, 26 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Killian earned a reputation for being funny and outré.
    Oscar Schwartz, The New Yorker, 27 Nov. 2024
  • Consider the case of Mickey Mouse, whose funny, sunny visage has come to the rescue at least once before.
    Lynn Yaeger, Vogue, 27 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Dilettante listing brokers can also cost sellers with bad marketing, weird staging, and a lack of responsiveness.
    Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 14 Nov. 2024
  • He is represented by no gallery, and works in a basement in Brooklyn, from which emerges the fruits of his weird obsessions.
    Jerry Saltz, Vulture, 13 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The touch bevel design gives it a sleek look while the AMOLED display creates a vividly bright and colorful watch face (which can be set to always-on, by the way).
    Cierra Cowan, PCMAG, 12 Nov. 2024
  • For spring 2025, the colorful and lively world of Rosie Assoulin is expanding with the launch of the New York luxury brand’s new Core program.
    Emily Mercer, WWD, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Conservatorship is an odd legal place for any organization to reside for an extended period—with a third party (in this case FHFA) in operational control.
    Doug Criscitello, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024
  • Behind layers of clothes, underwear, CDs, records, and other odd items and products for sale, Sean Carter oversees the store from behind the counter.
    Julian Roberts-Grmela, SPIN, 20 Nov. 2024

Podcast

Thesaurus Entries Near outlandish

Cite this Entry

“Outlandish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outlandish. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on outlandish

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!