offbeat

adjective

ˈȯf-ˈbēt How to pronounce offbeat (audio)
Definition of offbeatnext
1
as in bizarre
different from the ordinary in a way that causes curiosity or suspicion an offbeat approach to the task, but it gets the job done

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in unusual
noticeably different from what is generally found or experienced this writer has an enjoyably offbeat sense of humor

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 offbeat Stephanie Vermillion is a freelance writer and filmmaker focused on travel, offbeat adventures, craft beer, and the great outdoors. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Aug. 2026 Some of their solutions seemed offbeat or marginal, but others have become commonplace. — Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026 For something truly offbeat, check into theK5, a funky boutique housed within an old bank building from the 1920s featuring 20 one-of-one studios and suites. — Jake Emen, Robb Report, 6 Aug. 2026 Turning too early—or too easily—to an AI may crowd out offbeat ideas. — Nate Anderson, ArsTechnica, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for offbeat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for offbeat
  1. bizarre
  2. unusual
  3. funny
  4. uncommon
  5. strange
  6. weird
  7. odd
  8. peculiar
Adjective
  • The bizarre explanation brought an end to an episode that generated widespread attention online after Pierre initially accused the courier of stealing the order.
    — Peter Burke, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2026
  • An exhausting, head-spinning and often downright silly offseason is officially over after college football really kicked off on Thursday (after the always bizarre Week 0 last weekend).
    — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of bizarre
Adjective
  • If a machine encounters something unusual or gets stuck, someone monitoring the fleet can briefly intervene until the autonomous system is ready to take back over.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2026
  • The changes occurred amid an unusual rollout of the blog post.
    — Emily Forlini, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of unusual
Adjective
  • The results are sexy and funny, strange and gorgeous, personal and political, unconcerned with taboo or traditional structure.
    — Rachel Handler, Vulture, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The Royals’ bat boy comes in and out of view, but there are two funny moments.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of funny
Adjective
  • Lucas says shootings involving immigration officers are not uncommon, and under this administration alone, there have been more than 20.
    — Brittney Melton, NPR, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Pooling of sea water is possible around high tide at beach areas that is uncommon with normal tidal ranges.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of uncommon
Adjective
  • In a strange quirk of the 2026-27 fixture list, Leeds have been sent to the scenes of those crimes in quick succession once again.
    — Beren Cross, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • In short, unruly crowds, strange smells, intrusive noise and late nights are not unique inventions of the TikTok era.
    — Douglas Robson, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of strange
Adjective
  • The weird and wild part is this guy somehow made George Van Haltren famous.
    — Jayson Stark, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
  • This game feels just like a Planet Money episode wrapped in a weird little box.
    — Cooper Katz McKim, NPR, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of weird
Adjective
  • Back in January, guests took the chance and filled quite a few odd items with popcorn.
    — Julia Gomez, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Which is certainly an odd way to go about saving children from abuse, as Hansen continually explains the mission to Decoy Dan.
    — Damon Wise, Deadline, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of odd
Adjective
  • Graham used his influence widely and was accustomed to preaching in peculiar settings.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Those are pet-friendly, with That 70s House being the most peculiar, thanks to its groovy bedding, a classic Zenith television, and a vintage record player with a vinyl collection.
    — Brian Cicioni, Travel + Leisure, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of peculiar

Browse Nearby Words

off base
offbeat
off-color
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Cite this Entry

“Offbeat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/offbeat. Accessed 8 Sep. 2026.

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