Definition of bizarrenext
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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 Her bizarre claims seemed to trouble others at the network, and given the outcome of the defamation suit, with good reason. Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 3 Sep. 2026 The most tonally bizarre Apes movie ruminates on that question with a mixture of money-saving light comedy and mic-drop grimness. Jesse Hassenger, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Sep. 2026 The researchers suspect the bizarre atmospheric phenomenon may have formed between 2017 and 2023, when Saturn’s south pole was tilted away from Earth and therefore out of view. ABC News, 2 Sep. 2026 In true Chicago fashion, the festivities were chaotic, bizarre and fully embraced by the crowd. Eva Remijan-Toba, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bizarre
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bizarre
Adjective
  • Every once in a while, a professional athlete will do something so absurd on the field that people will question if the athlete is from this world.
    Ryan Canfield OutKick, FOXNews.com, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Brizé weaves between these absurd moments and two slow-simmering crises that cause Carla to begin doubting her diehard commitment to work.
    Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 9 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • In a strange quirk of the 2026-27 fixture list, Leeds have been sent to the scenes of those crimes in quick succession once again.
    Beren Cross, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • In short, unruly crowds, strange smells, intrusive noise and late nights are not unique inventions of the TikTok era.
    Douglas Robson, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • My first two videos each passed 100,000 views, which felt absolutely insane for a brand-new channel.
    Elizabeth Gulino, Allure, 9 Sep. 2026
  • The crack epidemic in America, especially in Bed-Stuy, was insane, so that really implanted into my brain.
    Selome Hailu, Variety, 8 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • But the weird stuff came behind the bench, where the Oilers sure seemed to want to hire Bruce Cassidy, only to be blocked by Vegas.
    Sean McIndoe, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Everyone in town thinks the aunts are weird as hell, but who cares?
    Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • That game is too important, and holding someone back for a hypothetical Game 3 might be foolish regardless.
    Matt Gelb, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • But Americans would be foolish to think that Washington is anywhere near solving this problem.
    Doug Beck, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Back in January, guests took the chance and filled quite a few odd items with popcorn.
    Julia Gomez, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Which is certainly an odd way to go about saving children from abuse, as Hansen continually explains the mission to Decoy Dan.
    Damon Wise, Deadline, 5 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • On the other hand, the fact that Warren is so annoying reminds us that unreal people can elicit genuine repulsion.
    Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Similarly, for the protagonist of Conrad’s story, Captain Whalley, the true life is the life of ships, and changes of fates onshore seem only laterally relevant, near unreal.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Occasionally, this appeared to be in jest (although not actually very funny).
    Jacobina Martin, Washington Post, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Mulligan should win for her darkly funny, cringe-inducing turn, though Snook, Pidgeon and sentimental favorite Field are all in play too.
    Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Bizarre.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bizarre. Accessed 15 Sep. 2026.

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