EXOTIC Synonyms: 58 Similar and Opposite Words

exotic 1 of 2

adjective

ig-ˈzä-tik

Definition of exotic

as in romantic

excitingly or mysteriously unusual the gradual disappearance of exotic lands in a culturally homogenized world

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

exotic

2 of 2

noun

as in rarity

something strange or unusual that is an object of interest the botanical garden boasts an array of horticultural exotics from around the world

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 exotic

Adjective

Why was Flores using exotic calls — the hit on Dart came from safety Jay Ward, who rushed from his secondary spot — in the first quarter of the first preseason game? — Armando Salguero Outkick, FOXNews.com, 15 Aug. 2026 An 8-year-old boy's unexpected catch at a lake near Philadelphia has drawn attention to the issue of exotic pets being released into local waterways. — ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026

Noun

One section tracks the influence of the Alhambra complex, in Granada, where artists trekked to whet their appetites for the exotic. — Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 13 July 2026 The four-day contest is a major event on the barbecue competition circuit, with more than $190,000 in prizes across categories like beef, exotics (like alligator, or emu, for instance), wings, and sauce. — Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for exotic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for exotic

Adjective

Lucas was convicted of fatally shooting a 16-year-old girl who rejected his romantic advances and wounding two of her friends.

— CBS News, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026
This gorgeous night dress will keep you cool in the summer, and features a romantic lace trim, round neckline, and luminous shell buttons.

— Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of romantic

Noun

That Liverpool have made only three loan signings across the past 10 years also highlights the rarity of such moves.

— Gregg Evans, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
Though never explicitly stated, the film’s suggestion of a lesbian relationship between the two women was a rarity of the era.

— Greg Evans, Deadline, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of rarity

Adjective

The explanation behind this family man’s strange case is well chronicled in many Chicago and New York news stories.

— Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026
Symptoms include anxiety, hypervigilance, confusion and mania, and taking on activities that might be considered strange.

— Deborah Becker, NPR, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of strange

Adjective

The British international banking group was among the first foreign banks to start operating out of GIFT City in 2020.

— Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 13 Aug. 2026
But intelligence officials previously told The Associated Press that Russia’s security services are now more brazen in their choice of targets, going after Russian activists and foreign supporters of Ukraine as well as military defectors.

— Claudia Ciobanu, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of foreign

Adjective

As noted previously, this is a marvelous time to enjoy the great outdoors.

— Ed Silverman, STAT, 14 Aug. 2026
Of course those are only two of the marvelous local crops on offer at both Breezy Willow and at our two local farmers’ markets — Tiber Park in the historic district and the Miller Library.

— Janet Kusterer, Baltimore Sun, 9 Aug. 2026