out-of-the-way 1 of 2

adjective

ˌau̇t-ə(v)-t͟hə-ˈwā How to pronounce out-of-the-way (audio)
Definition of out-of-the-waynext
1
as in bizarre
different from the ordinary in a way that causes curiosity or suspicion the night watchman calls the police if he notices any out-of-the-way activity taking place during his shift

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in unusual
noticeably different from what is generally found or experienced there was nothing out-of-the-way about the hitchhiker's appearance that might arouse suspicion

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

out of the way

2 of 2

phrase

1
as in up
brought or having come to an end Now that we've got the first step out of the way it's time to start phase two.

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in inappropriate
not appropriate for a particular occasion or situation They hoped he wouldn't say anything out of the way at the party.

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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 out-of-the-way
Adjective
Such fires are a constant threat in the sawmill industry, which continuously produces fine dust that is highly flammable; fires often start inside machines or in out-of-the-way corners and can get out of control before they’re even detected. — David Prosser, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026 But flight routes to out-of-the-way areas are often money losers for airlines, since passenger demand can be low and erratic. — Sacha Pfeiffer, NPR, 12 May 2026 Empty out cabinets and drawers and set these items aside in an out-of-the-way area. — Lauren Wellbank, Martha Stewart, 24 Apr. 2026 The fun starts when Ben turns up soon after her pack is stolen and insists on offering her replacement gear and breakfast at his out-of-the-way campsite. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 23 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for out-of-the-way
Recent Examples of Synonyms for out-of-the-way
  1. bizarre
  2. unusual
  3. strange
  4. uncommon
  5. weird
  6. funny
  7. odd
  8. rare
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
  • The conflict played out under the watchful eye of Johnson’s senior adviser, Jason Lee — an unusual involvement for a high-ranking mayoral staffer, given that the $8 million grant is administered by a separate department.
    — Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Guerrero’s struggles have been particularly noticeable, creating an unusual disconnect between his superstar status and his production.
    — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of unusual
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
  • Performance reviews under the CZMA are not uncommon — most states are subject to a routine review every five to 10 years — but what’s unusual in this case is that California had just undergone a review during the Biden administration.
    — Rosanna Xia, Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 2026
  • But nobody can prove how uncommon, because the ones that arrive with a gag order never appear in anybody’s count.
    — Michael Leone, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of uncommon
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
  • 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
  • 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
  • The infield prospect went 4 for -5 with four singles, also committing a rare double-error at third base.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The proposal, approved during a rare summer special session, would place before voters in November a constitutional amendment that clarifies how Maryland‘s congressional districts are drawn.
    — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of rare

Browse Nearby Words

out of sorts
out-of-the-way
out of the way
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Out-of-the-way.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/out-of-the-way. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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