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
Relevance
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 2phrase
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.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of out-of-the-way
Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 4 Aug. 2025
Named for their out-of-the-way location compared to Nassau, the Out Islands combined welcomed 40% less visitors than Nassau on New Providence Island in 2019.
—Carley Rojas Ávila, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025
With a smartphone camera rolling, Patrick confronted employees of an out-of-the-way retail store that sold the winning ticket for the $83.5 million Lotto Texas jackpot, which was then provided to the actual player by a third-party vendor.
—John C. Moritz, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
Others are hidden in some of the game's most out-of-the-way underground crevices and practically require the use of collectible in-game treasure maps to find.
—ArsTechnica, 16 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for out-of-the-way
Adjective
Act 2 finds the trio ending their six-week engagement at an out-of-the-way Nashville bar.
—Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 4 Aug. 2025
Named for their out-of-the-way location compared to Nassau, the Out Islands combined welcomed 40% less visitors than Nassau on New Providence Island in 2019.
—Carley Rojas Ávila, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025
With a smartphone camera rolling, Patrick confronted employees of an out-of-the-way retail store that sold the winning ticket for the $83.5 million Lotto Texas jackpot, which was then provided to the actual player by a third-party vendor.
—John C. Moritz, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
Others are hidden in some of the game's most out-of-the-way underground crevices and practically require the use of collectible in-game treasure maps to find.
—ArsTechnica, 16 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for out-of-the-way
Recent Examples of Synonyms for out-of-the-way
Adjective
-
Tactically, the most notable feature of the final was how regularly the two goalkeepers found themselves in bizarre positions, rushing out to close down attackers in wide areas.—
Michael Cox,
New York Times,
5 Oct. 2025
-
Shortly after the in-person meeting, Kacie bowed out in one of the most bizarre breakups ever shown.—
Emily Longeretta,
Variety,
4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
This is not particularly unusual, and in a traditional 4-2-3-1 system, forcing a team down one side is effective.—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
6 Oct. 2025
-
The lawsuit is the first to challenge the administration's unusual use of partisan messaging in government communications during the shutdown, which legal experts told NPR may violate federal ethics laws.—
Shannon Bond,
NPR,
5 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Every city’s got that one weirdo kid making strange music.—
Jeff Ihaza,
Rolling Stone,
10 Oct. 2025
-
The Sidney-Levi side of the proceedings is less interesting but more dominant, demonstrating a strange misunderstanding of the show’s appeal.—
Alison Herman,
Variety,
10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
During this process, scientists look at the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine, testing it first in small groups to assess safety, then in larger groups to confirm protection and detect uncommon side effects.—
David Higgins,
The Conversation,
7 Oct. 2025
-
Side effects are uncommon in healthy people and may include symptoms like gas and bloating.—
Kirstyn Hill,
Health,
6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Rather, this is about how the touchdowns rate on the weird/ridiculous scale.—
Saad Yousuf,
New York Times,
9 Oct. 2025
-
There was a divine perfection to it all in a weird way.—
Kory Grow,
Rolling Stone,
9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The novel reminds us of how funny Krasznahorkai can be.—
James Wood,
New Yorker,
10 Oct. 2025
-
Karlsson is very likable, funny, smart and charismatic.—
Josh Yohe,
New York Times,
9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Matt Daniels says conversations with the homeless show some were sleeping in odd places, including one who was bedding down at night in a church’s garden.—
Taylor Batten,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Oct. 2025
-
Even if a coffee table doesn’t fit in your space, having a surface to place the odd beverage or remote control will surely come in handy.—
Audrey Lee,
Architectural Digest,
8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The exhibit is the first comprehensive exploration of Katz’s collaborations with choreographers, dancers and members of avant-garde theater ensembles over six decades, showcasing rare archival materials, major sets and paintings and previously unexhibited sketches.—
La Jolla Light,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 Oct. 2025
-
Apart from the rare individual that survives and develops immunity, symptomatic deer will succumb to EHD within 36 hours.—
Sophie Hartley,
IndyStar,
9 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Out-of-the-way.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/out-of-the-way. Accessed 12 Oct. 2025.
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