outrageous

adjective

out·​ra·​geous (ˌ)au̇t-ˈrā-jəs How to pronounce outrageous (audio)
1
a
: exceeding the limits of what is usual
the outrageous weather we have been afflicted withNew Yorker
outrageous prices
b
: not conventional or matter-of-fact : fantastic
outrageous costumes
an outrageous tale
2
: violent, unrestrained
outrageous behavior
3
a
: going beyond all standards of what is right or decent
an outrageous disregard of human rights
b
: deficient in propriety (see propriety sense 2a) or good taste
outrageous language
outrageous manners
outrageously adverb
outrageousness noun

Examples of outrageous in a Sentence

They will be punished for their outrageous behavior. This is outrageous! I will not put up with such treatment. She's known for her wild hairdos and outrageous costumes. At first it seemed like an outrageous idea, but then we realized that it wasn't so crazy after all. The article makes some outrageous claims about her personal life.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Hit Man Based on an outrageous true story, Richard Linklater's 2024 action rom-com sees Glen Powell donning the many disguises of Gary Johnson, a New Orleans Police Department contractor who poses as a hitman to arrest those trying to hire him. Jacqueline Weiss, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025 Expecting dull days and strict rules, the boy instead stumbles into a world of delightful chaos and imagination – where outrageous stories are spun, and a world of wonder, memory, and mischief unfolds. Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 5 Sep. 2025 The German automaker’s motorcycle division is bringing an outrageous scooter prototype called the Vision CE to this year’s International Motor Show in Munich. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 2 Sep. 2025 Expect all-action, full-throttle wing-play, outrageous ability and an adventurous, fearless attitude, trying things that many wouldn’t even think of. Tim Spiers, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for outrageous

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of outrageous was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Outrageous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outrageous. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

outrageous

adjective
out·​ra·​geous au̇t-ˈrā-jəs How to pronounce outrageous (audio)
: extremely annoying, insulting, or shameful : shocking
outrageously adverb
outrageousness noun

Legal Definition

outrageous

adjective
out·​ra·​geous au̇t-ˈrā-jəs How to pronounce outrageous (audio)
: going beyond standards of decency : utterly intolerable in a civilized society
outrageous conduct
outrageously adverb
outrageousness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on outrageous

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