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Synonym Chooser

How is the word bizarre different from other adjectives like it?

The words fantastic and grotesque are common synonyms of bizarre. While all three words mean "conceived, made, or carried out without adherence to truth or reality," bizarre applies to the sensationally strange and implies violence of contrast or incongruity of combination.

a bizarre medieval castle in the heart of a modern city

When can fantastic be used instead of bizarre?

While the synonyms fantastic and bizarre are close in meaning, fantastic may connote extravagance in conception or ingenuity of decorative invention.

dreamed up fantastic rumors

When might grotesque be a better fit than bizarre?

Although the words grotesque and bizarre have much in common, grotesque may apply to what is conventionally ugly but artistically effective or it may connote ludicrous awkwardness or incongruity often with sinister or tragic overtones.

grotesque statues on the cathedral
though grieving, she made a grotesque attempt at a smile

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 bizarre State prosecutors say Valerio’s bizarre caper unraveled quickly. Charles Rabin, Miami Herald, 27 June 2025 Today, Yellowstone is probably best known for its thermal pools, with bizarre geysers that erupt at regular intervals and backcountry ponds that reach triple digits and present all the colors of the rainbow. Graham Averill, Outside Online, 20 June 2025 While most players at the KPMG Women's PGA Championship are battling the Texas heat, slow play, and a demanding Fields Ranch East layout, Leona Maguire is dealing with something far more bizarre—tick bites! Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 June 2025 And frankly that bizarre idea makes the PEN Charter incoherent too. Kamila Shamsie june 20, Literary Hub, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for bizarre
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bizarre
Adjective
  • Rich and influential adults enjoyed Lear’s company, but Lear himself preferred making mischief for children, telling absurd stories and drawing impossible creatures.
    Caroline Carlson June 30, Literary Hub, 30 June 2025
  • Traditionally, a show truck of this caliber would be fitted with an absurd array of chrome lightbars, air horns and blingy accessories but that would be counterintuitive to the vehicle’s mission.
    Trinity Francis, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025
Adjective
  • Ali spends a good chunk of time confused by the strange words whirling around him.
    Christopher J. Yates July 9, Literary Hub, 9 July 2025
  • But a strange silence has fallen over the drama since Iran attacked Israel via its Hamas proxy on Oct. 7 2023, kicking off Israel’s War in Gaza and, eventually, in Lebanon and Iran.
    Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 8 July 2025
Adjective
  • Amanda learned in like 10 seconds, which is insane.
    Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Mar. 2025
  • If 51% of the population is being so underserved, the ratio to opportunity is insane.
    Gemma Allen, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The Rockies’ next head of baseball operations needs to come from outside their weird little world, but possess a feel for the challenges of building a winner at Coors Field.
    Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 8 July 2025
  • Despite not being a purveyor of nail products, Selena Gomez has established herself as something of a finger chameleon (Too weird?
    Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 8 July 2025
Adjective
  • Underestimating China would be a grave error, but underestimating the United States would be equally foolish.
    Damien Ma, Foreign Affairs, 1 July 2025
  • Gi-hun himself proved a tough protagonist to root for when the show began, as a foolish gambling addict hoping to reconnect with his family but who becomes obsessed with the games anyway.
    Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • The odd creature turned out to be a new species of dragon millipede, according to a study published June 25 in the journal Invertebrate Systematics.
    Lauren Liebhaber, Miami Herald, 30 June 2025
  • Juve haven’t looked genuine title contenders in Italy for half a decade, and the current side is a mismatch of talented youth and odd signings.
    Emmet Gates, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • In a sit-down interview, Goldberg said the amount of disrespect Gunther had for Goldberg was unreal.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • And, if Mateer and Ott are as-advertised, this could be an unreal year for the Sooners.
    Nick Baumgardner, New York Times, 18 June 2025
Adjective
  • Their loyalty and love for each other is rewarded just by being cooler and funnier than anyone else around.
    Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 7 July 2025
  • But a journalist and the comedian swapping professions for a day or two could be funny.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Bizarre.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bizarre. Accessed 13 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on bizarre

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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