out·size
ˈau̇t-ˌsīz 
: an unusual size
especially
: a size larger than the standard
Nightgowns are generally made in three sizes—small, medium and outsize. —
Amy K. Smith
Amy K. Smith
out·size
ˈau̇t-ˌsīz
variants
or less commonly outsized
1
: unusually large or heavy
Physically he is outsize, standing six feet three and weighing 225 pounds …—Neil M. Clark
Neil M. Clark2
: exaggerated or extravagant in size or degree
… they loved Mayweather for his outsize persona and the reminder it carries of the sport's past glories.—Carlo Rotella
Carlo RotellaHe was wearing a huge fur hat, a purple jacket with outsize shoulders, and two pairs of spectacles, in tiers, emphasizing the narrow length of his face.—Anthony Haden-Guest
Anthony Haden-GuestSynonyms of outsize
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Adjective
Examples of outsize in a Sentence
Adjective
an outsize cat who weighs 25 pounds
she likes to make dramatic appearances wearing her trademark outsize sunglasses
Recent Examples on the Web
Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 27 Mar. 2026
Promotional materials set West Hollywood as the backdrop, touting the city’s outsize cultural and economic impact, alongside soaring photos of landmarks like the Pacific Design Center (pictured) and shopping hub the Beverly Center.
—Matt Donnelly, Variety, 26 Mar. 2026
Special elections often draw outsize attention as early indicators of voter sentiment, though turnout is typically lower than in general elections.
—Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 25 Mar. 2026
The baking-soda metaphor was meant to underscore that Instagram and YouTube had an outsize effect on KGM’s life, the way a tiny teaspoon of baking soda competes with more substantial ingredients such as flour or eggs in a cupcake recipe.
—Kaitlyn Tiffany, The Atlantic, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for outsize
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Adjective
While the American economy wasn’t hit with seismic shocks, the tariffs did, as the authors mentioned, have an outsize impact on importers—hardly a surprise to industries dependent on offshore supply chains.
—Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 27 Mar. 2026
Promotional materials set West Hollywood as the backdrop, touting the city’s outsize cultural and economic impact, alongside soaring photos of landmarks like the Pacific Design Center (pictured) and shopping hub the Beverly Center.
—Matt Donnelly, Variety, 26 Mar. 2026
Special elections often draw outsize attention as early indicators of voter sentiment, though turnout is typically lower than in general elections.
—Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 25 Mar. 2026
The baking-soda metaphor was meant to underscore that Instagram and YouTube had an outsize effect on KGM’s life, the way a tiny teaspoon of baking soda competes with more substantial ingredients such as flour or eggs in a cupcake recipe.
—Kaitlyn Tiffany, The Atlantic, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for outsize
Cite this Entry
“Outsize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outsize. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
outsize
1 of 2 noun
out·size
ˈau̇t-ˌsīz
: a size different and especially larger than the standard
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