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 In order to gain Bateman's trust, Christine Marie and Katas agreed to film Bateman performing bizarre stunts like running through mountain terrain and riding a dirt bike. Liam Quinn, PEOPLE, 10 Apr. 2026 Viewers were dropped into this bizarre, hilarious household during the opening credits. Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 10 Apr. 2026 Schauffele’s shot also brings to mind another, perhaps even more bizarre, play from the first round of the 2021 Masters. Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026 There were dozens of bizarre and unsavory figures in this world, like New Kids on the Block manager turned Ponzi fraudster Lou Pearlman. K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 10 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bizarre
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bizarre
Adjective
  • But all jokes aside, that Howard Stern has not yet been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is, quite frankly, absurd.
    Malina Saval, Rolling Stone, 16 Apr. 2026
  • Grief is absurd in the same way humor is absurd.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Still, scrolling through TMZ’s posts of congresspeople instills a strange rush of Schadenfreude.
    Paula Mejía, New Yorker, 15 Apr. 2026
  • This is one of the stranger ironies — liberal politicians, often skeptical of market forces, become true believers in rosy stock market projections that will render new commitments affordable.
    Daniel DiSalvo, New York Daily News, 14 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • In an insane society, this is a project of years, not weeks.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Apr. 2026
  • If jurors do decide that Fahim was insane at the time of the killings, he would likely be sent to a state hospital for mental health treatment.
    Sean Emery, Oc Register, 14 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • As the Pios regained traction, something weird happened.
    Troy Renck, Denver Post, 13 Apr. 2026
  • The Midnight Show’s original cast breakout star Lillian Martin, whose career was cut tragically short in her mid-twenties, was the queen of the wacky and weird.
    Lee Kelly, PEOPLE, 12 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Don’t be afraid to look foolish in pursuit of bliss!
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 17 Apr. 2026
  • This could be the last straw for refiners foolish enough to remain here.
    Steven Greenhut, Oc Register, 12 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Four of Switzerland's 450-odd watch brands — Rolex, Cartier, Patek Philippe and Omega — make up over half the total Swiss retail market share, the report said.
    ABC News, ABC News, 14 Apr. 2026
  • An odd silence follows a massive explosion.
    Babak Rahimi, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • But it's been, it's been just unreal.
    CBS News, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2026
  • This and the other two villas are truly unreal.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Plus, some of my stickers are just funny.
    R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026
  • Big-hearted and sharply funny, Lucy Schulman is a charming comedic coming-of-age story from multihyphenate Tribeca alum Ellie Sachs.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 16 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Bizarre.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bizarre. Accessed 19 Apr. 2026.

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