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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 Why go against the grain with a one-piece dress instead of going more outlandish, like the other contestants? Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2025 On the other hand, their outlandish corruption stoked popular resentment and fueled the insurgency. Dan Fisher, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025 And Flowers’ players are responding to plans that would have seemed outlandish three years ago. Emma Moon, Charlotte Observer, 27 Aug. 2025 Below, see 11 of Joe Jonas' most outlandish confessions below. Stephanie Sengwe, People.com, 23 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for outlandish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outlandish
Adjective
  • But everything changes when a string of gruesome killings—which grow increasingly bizarre, with victims covered in rashes and found in deranged, violent states—involves his young daughter Hyo-jin (Kim Hwan-hee).
    Travis Bean, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Paxton’s interest in Paul’s plight was bizarre, obsessive and so far beyond normal operations at the attorney general’s office that the agency’s top officials struggled to convey their concerns during the hourslong meeting with two FBI agents.
    Kimberly Ross, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Indian actor Ahaan Panday makes his debut with the Bollywood film Saiyaara which was hailed as the unofficial third film in Mohit Suri’s hit romantic franchise Aashiqui.
    Sweta Kaushal, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
  • Text messages to his romantic partner, a transgender male roommate, allegedly include a confession and instructions to delete their exchange.
    Amanda Castro Hannah Parry Joshua Rhett Miller, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The combination of strange comments, a clear lack of education and experience, and a disturbing personal history with mental health struggles and domestic problems doomed his campaign.
    Kimberly Ross, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Coon admitted that their daughter has also taken up a strange favorite film.
    Avalon Hester, PEOPLE, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • This isn't just about exotic imports—we're talking about fundamental ingredients that define American restaurant menus.
    Phil Lempert, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
  • The video montage showed Sharon and Kelly interacting with exotic birds at Cornwall Falconry in England.
    Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Zambians are warm, funny, proud.
    Daniel Scheffler, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Darkly funny and deeply melancholic, the film turns the family estate into a pressure cooker of grief, grudges and reluctant affection.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The second reason is that these aura battler designs were very complex and full of curves as well as weird angles.
    Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Things get weird, however, when the lines between science fiction and fantasy start to blur.
    Richard Edwards, Space.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • This energy is released as light, producing the colorful displays seen in the night sky.
    Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 17 Sep. 2025
  • Grand Slam winners get a colorful Grand Slam Award sticker.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • So, Hilleary will be in the odd position of facing a significant pay cut for getting a big promotion on Capitol Hill.
    David Mark, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
  • The iPhone Air Only Supports USB 2 Speeds The iPhone Air is relatively full-featured for such a thin phone, but Apple did make some odd compromises.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 11 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Outlandish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outlandish. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

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