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 Has Oakland’s Boots Riley — celebrated purveyor of the bizarre and unconventional — suddenly gone soft on us? Randy Myers, Mercury News, 19 May 2026 Neither Andy nor his sister and producing partner Barbara Muschietti (also the series co-creator, with longtime collaborator Jason Fuchs and Brad Caleb Kane as co-showrunners) seemed interested in over-analyzing the bizarre trend, either. Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 19 May 2026 The actress previously recalled having a bizarre premonition before director Sam Pinkleton even called her about the role. Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 19 May 2026 Wilson started three games and made some bizarre decisions in a loss against the Chiefs. Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 18 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for bizarre
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bizarre
Adjective
  • There is always the possibility that something absurd might occur — the equivalent of Neymar’s 2017 move to Paris Saint-Germain, for instance — but that’s extremely unlikely.
    Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 27 May 2026
  • Ironically, the fears of two Republicans advancing were driven by Democratic data vendor Paul Mitchell, who built a prediction machine using absurd inputs like betting odds and polls that cannot account for things like rape allegations.
    Matt Fleming, Oc Register, 27 May 2026
Adjective
  • Such a link however is characteristic of radicalization more generally, and indeed the strange story of Helter Skelter—the official script, certainly, but not only—becomes straightforward as soon as it is read as belonging to the longer history of politico-religious extremism, or terrorism.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 May 2026
  • She’s paid to be at Souria’s beck and call every moment of the day and often gets awakened at strange times in the night for errands, like going out to buy every item on a fast-food restaurant’s menu and bring it back for a midnight feast.
    Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 26 May 2026
Adjective
  • Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Melissa Jackson rejected the defense’s claims that Gilbert was legally insane.
    Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 27 May 2026
  • The feminine style looks like a ballet flat but is just as comfortable as a sneaker—hence its insane appeal.
    Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 25 May 2026
Adjective
  • Yes, baseball is weird sometimes.
    Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 May 2026
  • This is weird in at least three ways but, as mentioned, one sip and all the question marks disappear.
    Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 23 May 2026
Adjective
  • Backing the Cubs right now seems foolish.
    David Troy OutKick, FOXNews.com, 27 May 2026
  • By human standard, of course, animals can be unintentionally and surprisingly clumsy, delightfully awkward or laughingly foolish.
    Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026
Adjective
  • If the Patriots acquire Brown and keep Boutte, then there will likely be an odd-man out in this positional group, as well, if the team keeps just six wide receivers.
    Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 26 May 2026
  • Rudd has previously spoken candidly about working odd jobs in the '90s while pursuing his dream of being a working actor.
    Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 25 May 2026
Adjective
  • The situation only worsens after 9/11, the immediate, unreal impact of which Rivilis sharply captures with a steady pan across a classroom of stunned students, their faces in various states of stricken disbelief, if not simply in their hands.
    Guy Lodge, Variety, 20 May 2026
  • But Miller’s first 11 appearances were unreal.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 May 2026
Adjective
  • Cindy Morgan, who played bombshell Lacey Underall, recalled to Sports Illustrated in 2010 that, funny as Dangerfield was, the comic was nervous about his performance.
    Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 28 May 2026
  • Abdullah Saeed’s Deli Boys debuted last year with a bang, quickly establishing itself as one of the most vibrant, funny, and well-rendered shows streaming.
    Emma Specter, Vogue, 28 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Bizarre.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bizarre. Accessed 1 Jun. 2026.

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