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 That’s good news for fans of Call of Duty, Fallout, and Halo, but less good news for fans of the offbeat experiments that have until now filled out Xbox Game Pass subscriptions. — Kyle Orland, ArsTechnica, 6 July 2026 The title track has a lurching, intermittent cadence, with short, hooting bursts from Epstein bouncing off Vida’s offbeat bass notes. — Reed Jackson, SPIN, 3 July 2026 The offbeat thriller comedy reps the feature directorial debuts of writers-directors Greg Yagolnitzer and Raviv Ullman. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 25 June 2026 Baby blue is tranquil and stylish—but just offbeat enough to be interesting. — Elle Turner, Glamour, 19 June 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 Democratic resistance to voter ID requirements also runs counter to common sense.
    — Editorial, Boston Herald, 27 July 2026
  • The Brit landed a solid one-two early and from there Prenga never re-found his feet, allowing Joshua to land a huge right hand that sent Prenga to the canvas and brought an early end to a bizarre see-saw fight.
    — Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 25 July 2026
Definition of bizarre
Adjective
  • Changes in color, cloudiness, or unusual appearance can be signs the medication may not be stable anymore.
    — Judy Koutsky, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
  • These are cases that were acquired in the US, rather than from travel abroad, which makes this year unusual.
    — Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 25 July 2026
Definition of unusual
Adjective
  • In reality, admissions officers routinely remember essays that are joyful, funny, intellectually playful, or quietly reflective.
    — Dr. Liz Doe Stone, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • Besides being a talented singer, Babyface is also a funny and engaging performer.
    — Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado July 22, Sacbee.com, 22 July 2026
Definition of funny
Adjective
  • For women like Toyama, growing up in the 1960s and ‘70s, divorce was uncommon – and often met with judgment and shame.
    — Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 26 July 2026
  • Fares, 68, has a rags-to-riches story not uncommon in Lebanon.
    — Jane Arraf, NPR, 26 July 2026
Definition of uncommon
Adjective
  • The catfish in that Vermont lake has joined a very strange club.
    — John Drake, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • Of all the peculiar assignments a newspaper reporter can undertake, writing advance obituaries for local notables who are still very much alive is one of the strangest.
    — Suzanne Van Atten, AJC.com, 26 July 2026
Definition of strange
Adjective
  • Tracking the sky to such depths, such resolution and for such a long time practically guarantees that a bevy of weird and baffling phenomena will emerge from the LSST data.
    — Phil Plait, Scientific American, 24 July 2026
  • Some of it was weird, some of it was creepy and some was awe-inspiring.
    — Yasmin Vossoughian, NBC news, 24 July 2026
Definition of weird
Adjective
  • Regardless, the Red Sox viewed Early as the odd-man out as Breslow tries to navigate the upcoming trade deadline with the Red Sox having played themselves back into a playoff spot by winning 21 out of their last 25 games.
    — Greg Dudek, Boston Herald, 26 July 2026
  • Silbiger’s portfolio is a reflective combination of classic American motifs like Saguaro cacti and herds of bison, and odd roadside attractions like the inflatable Maine lobster.
    — Sarah Silbiger, CNN Money, 25 July 2026
Definition of odd
Adjective
  • He was met with a very peculiar request from Prince Khalid bin Abdulaziz — the Saudi royal effectively putting on the fight — who wanted the ring from the fight erected in one of his homes after the event.
    — Chris McKenna, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • Brown dwarfs occupy a peculiar place in the cosmic pecking order.
    — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 22 July 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 27 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on offbeat

Nglish: Translation of offbeat for Spanish Speakers

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