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 Canvasbacks were a favorite diving duck among market hunters during the late 1800s and early 1900s, with individual birds sometimes commanding the outrageous price of $2 per bird. M.d. Johnson, Field & Stream, 30 Nov. 2023 So Superman inevitably comes into conflict with brainy arch-villain Lex Luthor (Gene Hackman, sporting a marvelous selection of outrageous wigs). Jennifer Ouellette and Sean M. Carroll, Ars Technica, 24 Nov. 2023 Perhaps having a child under any circumstances, given the unimaginably high emotional, financial, ecological, and existential stakes, is an act of outrageous presumption. Jessica Winter, The New Yorker, 20 Nov. 2023 Thank goodness nobody was hurt here – but what occurred was outrageous, reckless, and unacceptable. Michael Ruiz, Fox News, 9 Nov. 2023 This is an outrageous, outrageous type of hate that's being expressed. Danielle Wallace, Fox News, 19 Nov. 2023 Combs’ lawyer denied allegations made by Ventura in the complaint, filed in federal court in New York City, calling them outrageous and offensive. Saba Hamedy, NBC News, 18 Nov. 2023 When reached by Pitchfork, representatives for Diddy shared the following statement from the musician’s attorney, Ben Brafman: Mr. Combs vehemently denies these offensive and outrageous allegations. Evan Minsker, Pitchfork, 16 Nov. 2023 The $10 billion is an outrageous move that will materially assist Iranian terrorism. The Editors, National Review, 16 Nov. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'outrageous.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near outrageous

Cite this Entry

“Outrageous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outrageous. Accessed 6 Dec. 2023.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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