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Synonym Chooser

How is the word outlandish distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of outlandish are eccentric, erratic, odd, peculiar, quaint, singular, strange, and unique. While all these words mean "departing from what is ordinary, usual, or to be expected," outlandish applies to what is uncouth, bizarre, or barbaric.

outlandish fashions of the time

When is it sensible to use eccentric instead of outlandish?

The words eccentric and outlandish can be used in similar contexts, but eccentric suggests a wide divergence from the usual or normal especially in behavior.

the eccentric eating habits of preschoolers

In what contexts can erratic take the place of outlandish?

Although the words erratic and outlandish have much in common, erratic stresses a capricious and unpredictable wandering or deviating.

a friend's suddenly erratic behavior

When can odd be used instead of outlandish?

In some situations, the words odd and outlandish are roughly equivalent. However, odd applies to a departure from the regular or expected.

an odd sense of humor

When would peculiar be a good substitute for outlandish?

While the synonyms peculiar and outlandish are close in meaning, peculiar implies a marked distinctiveness.

the peculiar status of America's first lady

When could quaint be used to replace outlandish?

The meanings of quaint and outlandish largely overlap; however, quaint suggests an old-fashioned but pleasant oddness.

a quaint fishing village

When is singular a more appropriate choice than outlandish?

The words singular and outlandish are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, singular suggests individuality or puzzling strangeness.

a singular feeling of impending disaster

Where would strange be a reasonable alternative to outlandish?

While in some cases nearly identical to outlandish, strange stresses unfamiliarity and may apply to the foreign, the unnatural, the unaccountable.

a journey filled with strange sights

When might unique be a better fit than outlandish?

The synonyms unique and outlandish are sometimes interchangeable, but unique implies singularity and the fact of being without a known parallel.

a career unique in the annals of science

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 outlandish Following the design ethos that more is always more, Mansory was founded in 1989 by Iranian tuner Kourosh Mansory, offering outlandish and garish modifications to comely and well-regarded models of Lamborghini, Rolls-Royce, McLaren, Ferrari, Bugatti, and Mercedes, among others. Sean Evans, Robb Report, 14 Oct. 2025 Through Blazy’s gaze, what looks outlandish is often revealed to be truer to itself than, for instance, the nearby tourist restaurants with candles burning down over beef bourguignon and accordions huffing in the corner. Nathan Heller, Vogue, 14 Oct. 2025 There can be four games in a single day, each with their own narratives and outlandish developments. Grant Brisbee, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025 The President didn’t help his case by spreading outlandish falsehoods. Jeannie Suk Gersen, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for outlandish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outlandish
Adjective
  • As travelers crave experiences over ordinary stays, hotels that have transformed grim to glam are now embracing their bizarre and sometimes haunted histories, even hosting weddings and wellness retreats.
    Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2025
  • But things take a bizarre turn when her son, Simón (Roger Príncep), goes missing.
    Steven Thrash, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • During the podcast, Paris revealed that the pair's relationship began to break down six months before their eventual split amid fan speculation about a romantic relationship between Powell and Sweeney.
    Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025
  • The season concludes on a romantic and hopeful note for Noah and Joanne.
    Allison DeGrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Silver Bullet The idea of league partners doing journalism is always a strange subject.
    Andrew Marchand, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Years later, now a lawyer, Andi wins a radio contest where the host, Jake (Romaine Waite), turns the story of the sleigh bell and stranger into a segment, as listeners help track down her mystery man before Christmas.
    Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Compact, lightweight, and manufacturable without exotic materials, the platform aims to bridge cutting-edge performance with production viability.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Instead, the exotic nuclear physics at play within neutron stars seems to override this and balance things out.
    Keith Cooper, Space.com, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • This is less spooky and more funny.
    Josh Honeycutt, Outdoor Life, 30 Oct. 2025
  • Musical inspiration can be a funny thing.
    Simon Vozick-Levinson, Rolling Stone, 29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • At the same time, as Cawsey points out, the legend of Tutivillus itself was like good gossip—colorful, wicked, and weird.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Kinda weird that arguably the best episode of the season featured not one, but two extended scenes of players fishing, but whatevs.
    Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Because of its traditional design and neutral color palette, the sofa is the ideal base piece for colorful throw pillows and cozy blankets.
    Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Oct. 2025
  • For a simple and fun option, go with this colorful Merry Christmas and Happy New Year card, filled with family photos.
    Christopher Murray may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Over time, her experience juggling odd jobs has primed her with skills for financial emergencies like the one her family is facing this month.
    Bonny Chu , Lorraine Taylor, FOXNews.com, 30 Oct. 2025
  • Did any president have particularly odd tastes?
    Dan Reilly, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Outlandish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outlandish. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

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