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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 The biggest change to the Joy-Con is a bizarre one that has roots in Nintendo history. Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 5 June 2025 The bizarre political bromance between the most powerful man on Earth and the wealthiest tycoon in the world appeared to be over Thursday as President Trump and Elon Musk traded barbs in the wake of the Tesla mogul’s harsh criticism of his signature Big Beautiful Bill. Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 5 June 2025 Elon Musk — now the world’s richest man — has launched a bizarre crusade to father as many children as possible, even as his actions help worsen global suffering. Tom Debley, Mercury News, 4 June 2025 The draft in Jefferson’s hand contains many reasonable reductions of penalties but then comes to a couple of sections that make for bizarre reading today. Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 4 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for bizarre
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bizarre
Adjective
  • There’s the undercurrent of politics stirring animus between the neighbors, with Canadians angered by President Donald Trump’s tariffs and his absurd aside saying perhaps Canada should be the 51st U.S. state.
    Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 5 June 2025
  • The concept itself is absurd, given the modest park features.
    The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 4 June 2025
Adjective
  • After coming to the Mets at the trade deadline, Blackburn had a serious of strange injuries, getting hit by a line drive on his hand, and then suffering from a spinal fluid leak that required surgery.
    Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 3 June 2025
  • The strange turn of events surrounding Barrett’s disqualification marred what had been a feel-good story.
    Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 2 June 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
  • Can't wait for the weird personality quirks and side eye of judgment.
    Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 June 2025
  • Historically, Nintendo has had a weird relationship with the internet.
    Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 3 June 2025
Adjective
  • Kent can often just look foolish onstage, sitting there idling.
    Nan Z. Da June 10, Literary Hub, 10 June 2025
  • To write off the Israeli leader would be foolish, especially with new elections not required until late 2026.
    Yair Rosenberg, The Atlantic, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • This was more like a caterpillar body with odd patterns on its plates and a snapping turtle mouth.
    Bill Desowitz, IndieWire, 9 June 2025
  • On top of that, 1972 was the year NASDAQ was set up and 3,000 odd new companies entered the public arena.
    Shivaram Rajgopal, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025
Adjective
  • People on social media have been commenting about the idea of only one person surviving the crash, calling it unreal, remarkable, a work of divine intervention, and a miracle.
    Lisa Baumann, Chicago Tribune, 13 June 2025
  • The Antigua and Barbuda Culinary month and the energy surrounding it, is just one example of how one small place can create a powerful, reverberating experience that goes well beyond those unreal sunsets and too beautiful blue waters.
    Kristin L. Wolfe, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
Adjective
  • Ramsey’s memoir is a moving, sometimes funny story about destruction, change and rebirth, told by a woman tempered by fire.
    Laurie Hertzel, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2025
  • From funny reactions to adorable giggles, see some of the best moments from Thursday's big game Comments Taylor Swift is back in her sporty era!
    Alexandra Schonfeld, People.com, 13 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Bizarre.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bizarre. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on bizarre

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