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

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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

The researchers also explored more exotic scenarios involving additional spatial dimensions and theories that extend beyond Einstein’s general relativity. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026 But Fleming's 007, and the onscreen Bonds who played out those stories, dispatched danger in exotic locales, and without rumpling the pleats on their dinner jackets. — Scott Simon, NPR, 24 Oct. 2026

Noun

The primate, who was not microchipped, has been given a clean bill of health after being seen by a specialist exotics vet for a check-up, the release noted. — Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 21 July 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for exotic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for exotic

Adjective

In many cases, boards and investors focused on ethical breaches, such as executives using company funds inappropriately or advancing the careers of romantic partners who reported to them.

— Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 9 Nov. 2026
My Beloved’s casually romantic chassis—but Kings of Leon are still prone to occasionally rocking out, for better or worse.

— Larry Fitzmaurice, Pitchfork, 9 Nov. 2026

Definition of romantic

Noun

Held at Hotel President on November 7 and 8, the two-day auction comprised only 217 lots ranging from vintage rarities to modern indie masterpieces.

— Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 9 Nov. 2026
Related Articles While a rarity today, gowns like Park’s were commonplace back in the golden age of Hollywood, seen on starlets like Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn.

— Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of rarity

Adjective

Cristin Tierney Gallery Maureen O’Leary’s paintings at Cristin Tierney are wonderfully strange.

— Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 13 Nov. 2026
The extremes of the moral universe have always been duking it out down there, which makes Mississippi not strange or anomalous, but illustrative.

— Claire Howorth, Vanity Fair, 13 Nov. 2026

Definition of strange

Adjective

The seventh article, addressing the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, accuses Hegseth of kidnapping a foreign leader, an act of war against a sovereign country.

— Elizabeth Shackelford, Chicago Tribune, 13 Nov. 2026
Emerging-market and developing economies, which have shallow financial markets and rely heavily on foreign borrowing, often in dollars, are especially vulnerable to volatile capital flows and exchange rates.

— Gordon Liao, Foreign Affairs, 12 Nov. 2026

Definition of foreign

Adjective

The marvelous mezes are largely gluten-free and served—upon request—with crudités; savory, comforting mujaddara is made with lentils and rice, no bulgur, barley, or other glutenous grains.

— Luke Pyenson, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026
Jeon is marvelous in the role, allowing flashes of envy, resentment, and longing to surface beneath Mi-ok’s cheerful, accommodating manner without diminishing her warmth or loyalty.

— Lisa Wong Macabasco, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026