OUT-OF-THE-WAY Synonyms: 267 Similar and Opposite Words

out-of-the-way 1 of 2

adjective

ˌau̇t-ə(v)-t͟hə-ˈwā

Definition of out-of-the-way

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

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

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

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

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

Adjective

But at the end of this bizarre game in Miami, this silly 6-4 thriller, this giddy attacking exhibition of some of the world’s best players, and some of the world’s worst defending, England were on the winning side.

— Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 19 July 2026
Southwest’s bizarre seat assignments and enforcement policies may have had operational roots, but customers assumed the worst.

— Roger Dooley, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

Definition of bizarre

Adjective

But a small part is how the Rays have managed his unusual situation, handling him with some care.

— Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 July 2026
Categories for entrants in the pet parade included cutest pet, an owner and pet dress-alike, the biggest and smallest pet, most unusual pet and best trick.

— David Sharos, Chicago Tribune, 19 July 2026

Definition of unusual

Adjective

While Deliverance follows more or less in the footsteps of Blackwater Park, Damnation digs into a strange new realm for the band, uncovering something even darker.

— Sam Goldner, Pitchfork, 19 July 2026
Downstate, the threat of black vultures still feels new and strange.

— Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 19 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

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

During the presentation of the winners’ medals, many of Romero’s team-mates stayed down the other end of the pitch, with their backs to the ceremony (although there was the odd exception, such as Alexis Mac Allister).

— Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 20 July 2026
Offering caregiving support may seem odd for a financial advising firm, but more than 63 million Americans (nearly one in four adults) are caregivers, and nearly one in three support both a parent and a child, AARP said.

— Medora Lee, USA Today, 18 July 2026

Definition of odd

Adjective

Southern Louisiana was under tropical storm and extreme heat warnings for much of Wednesday — a rare double dose of suffering, the National Weather Service said.

— ABC News, ABC News, 23 July 2026
Sensing a rare viewing opportunity, the team followed the pod by boat.

— Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 23 July 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

Style

“Out-of-the-way.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/out-of-the-way. Accessed 25 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of out-of-the-way

adjective

phrase

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

vituperate

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

The Words of the Week - Jul 24

Why do we say 'fly off the handle'?

Popular

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes