off-the-wall

adjective

ˈȯf-ṯẖə-ˈwȯl How to pronounce off-the-wall (audio)
Definition of off-the-wallnext
as in bizarre
different from the ordinary in a way that causes curiosity or suspicion she does have some off-the-wall suggestions about home decorating

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 off-the-wall Follow Joe for ongoing features about ecotourism as well as off-the-wall travel destinations around the globe. — Joe Sills, Forbes.com, 4 May 2026 What’s your favorite off-the-wall rendition of a birthday anthem? — O. Rose Broderick, STAT, 24 Apr. 2026 This was not a year for major turmoil in March or crazy off-the-wall selections by the committee. — Tim Cowlishaw, Dallas Morning News, 15 Mar. 2026 That is just off-the-wall, to see a frozen lake and then a tornado ripping the ice up. — Keith Matheny, Freep.com, 10 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for off-the-wall
Recent Examples of Synonyms for off-the-wall
  1. bizarre
  2. funny
  3. strange
  4. weird
  5. odd
  6. peculiar
  7. curious
  8. erratic
Adjective
  • Years earlier at her former lab in Ohio, chromosomes in mouse eggs and embryos began dividing in bizarre ways, creating the kinds of genetic errors that can lead to Down syndrome and other chromosomal disorders.
    — Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Her videos were outrageous and conspiratorial, and the more elaborate and bizarre her stories became, the more people online were drawn to her.
    — Zander Sherman, Rolling Stone, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of bizarre
Adjective
  • Bitingly funny in its comedy and wistful in its drama, the film rests on the delicate performance of newcomer Verma, a diminutive, age-appropriate actor who molds Ilyas in captivating ways.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 5 Aug. 2026
  • There are also funny cameos from Pete Davidson and Bobby Cannavale, both used well.
    — Randy Myers, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of funny
Adjective
  • Investigators later ruled out trains and power lines as possible causes — and traced the fire’s point of origin to the same spot Child witnessed the man’s strange behavior.
    — Cindy Von Quednow, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026
  • And Dad actually makes an uncredited vocal cameo on one of the album’s more blessedly strange tracks.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of strange
Adjective
  • The city’s street style continues to champion weird-but-it-works combinations over predictable formulas, and individuality above all else.
    — Kelsey Stewart, InStyle, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The vibes are awkward all around, and things only get weirder when Emira pulls Georgia aside to chat.
    — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of weird
Adjective
  • This may seem like an odd one, but this Springsugar hair set comes with three combs, a hair wax stick, and a finishing stick.
    — Hayley Domin, Travel + Leisure, 8 Aug. 2026
  • The instruments and rhythms dance with Lenae’s sinuous vocals, nudging her into odd pockets, uplifting her notes.
    — Stephen Kearse, Pitchfork, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of odd
Adjective
  • But the story neatly captures the peculiar limbo of Housewifery — edging ever closer to fame and acceptance, but always one velvet rope short of both.
    — Maer Roshan, HollywoodReporter, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The theater’s peculiar sense of humor has raised eyebrows in the past.
    — Andrew Lapin, Sun Sentinel, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of peculiar
Adjective
  • The curious boys climbed onto the roof of their home for a better look, but climbed back down when scolded by their grandmother.
    — Rina Nakano, CBS News, 7 Aug. 2026
  • General Daily Insight for August 07, 2026 The mood gets quicker and more curious today.
    — Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of curious
Adjective
  • Winds of that strength start to present a greater risk of erratic wildfire behavior and spread.
    — Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026
  • During the first 10 minutes of the workout, its heart rate readings seemed a bit erratic but normalized afterward.
    — Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of erratic

Browse Nearby Words

off-the-shelf
off-the-wall
of late
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Off-the-wall.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/off-the-wall. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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