1
2

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 Sunday was a bizarre day at Coors Field, even by Rockies standards. Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 12 May 2025 The set of circumstances surrounding Tavera’s March 5, 2022 murder were horrifyingly bizarre, with jurors receiving a nuanced play-by-play at trial. Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 9 May 2025 The presentation starts with teaching the compliment sandwich technique, but quickly goes off the rails as the participants ask more bizarre questions. Rosa Escandon, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025 Heti’s writing is witty, reflective, and just bizarre enough to capture your interest even as people mill about in your peripheral vision. Bekah Waalkes, The Atlantic, 1 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for bizarre
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bizarre
Adjective
  • The biggest change, however, has been in fly ball frequency - his fly ball rate is now an absurd 50.0%, higher than any 2024 MLB regular.
    Tony Blengino, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
  • What else can be said about Judge’s absurd start to this season?
    Tim Britton, New York Times, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • The long strange trip is proving to be even longer than anyone thought.
    Marco della Cava, USA Today, 22 May 2025
  • Because of this strange clustering, the Atlantic Shark Institute has posted signs around Narragansett alerting beachgoers to be on the lookout.
    Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 22 May 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
  • Just a weird observation about the oscillator that is worth pointing out.
    Jim Cramer, CNBC, 21 May 2025
  • His monsters are inventive and weird — and almost endlessly memeable.
    Sam Thielman, New York Times, 21 May 2025
Adjective
  • And this is not a story of corporate greed run amok, because Walmart would be foolish to try to gouge its customers at a time when economic anxiety is high (more on that in a moment).
    Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 16 May 2025
  • Peters said the training from Wayne State's Institute of Gerontology has helped credit union employees to better frame probing questions that will get a positive response without making members feel foolish.
    Susan Tompor, USA Today, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • There’s an odd smoothness to the look and feel of the cinematography by Christian Sebaldt, but the uncanny valley phenomenon is welcome when watching bodily destruction unfold.
    Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 16 May 2025
  • It was also updated to clarify the role of Victor Ortega-Jiménez in observing the flamingos' odd feeding behavior.
    Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • By 2028, Hunter should be bigger and stronger, traits that will complement his unreal combination of speed and athleticism.
    Tashan Reed, New York Times, 21 May 2025
  • The pressure to succeed is completely overwhelming, and the constant comparison to something that is unreal can become too much for anyone.
    Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025
Adjective
  • That’s not to say the film isn’t funny or sweet, but that there is something much more profound and uncomfortable at its heart, and one that poses a tricky challenge for first-time filmmakers Johansson and Kamen.
    Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 20 May 2025
  • His translation recognizes, here and throughout, that the original is funny and compelling enough not to need elaborate explanation, even 60 years after its debut.
    Lily Meyer, The Dial, 20 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bizarre.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bizarre. Accessed 27 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on bizarre

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!