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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 Fans came dressed in all manner of orange and green outfits — some elaborate, some outlandish. Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 20 Sep. 2025 That doesn’t change even as they’re thrown into situations that sound appropriately outlandish on paper. Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 19 Sep. 2025 Doctor leaned into low-rise everything, a sign of the times, along with heeled sneakers, outlandish blonde up-dos, micro-shorts and mini dresses. Anika Reed, USA Today, 18 Sep. 2025 But to have everyone there, rubbing elbows and being just as outlandish and quirky as ever, three decades ago just felt off. Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for outlandish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outlandish
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
  • However, five episodes later, only five couples left the pods engaged and set out for a romantic getaway.
    Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 7 Oct. 2025
  • The romantic sparks transcended the boundaries of the screen, with the pair dating in real life from 2007 to 2010.
    Sophie Dodd, PEOPLE, 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Known for their loud personalities, huskies are no stranger to using their voices, but a video of a senior, deaf husky's silent howl is proving that even without sound, the breed still speaks volumes.
    Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Holland also told police about other strange behavior, including an argument while shopping at Wal-Mart, where Overstreet looked at her angrily and pointed at a missing person's picture of Myers posted inside the store.
    Kristine Phillips, IndyStar, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Anyone planning to bring an exotic animal into Kentucky is required to have transportation permit.
    Lillian Metzmeier, Louisville Courier Journal, 3 Oct. 2025
  • In fact, there are more exotic possibilities that cannot be ruled out, at present, as well.
    Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Jonathan was so funny and quick-witted for such a young kid.
    Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Having this really intense action scene, and then all of a sudden a joke, a funny moment.
    H. Alan Scott, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The weird winning season Derek Anderson The Browns have had four winning seasons since 1999, with three of them (2002, 2020, 2023) leading to the playoffs.
    Saad Yousuf, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
  • There is something weird about the audio part of it all.
    Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Check out a few more peelers below that are highly rated, including this colorful three-pack that came recommended by the editors at Food & Wine.
    Clint Davis, Southern Living, 7 Oct. 2025
  • The look was topped off with colorful beaded necklaces, maroon shoes and a black clutch handbag.
    Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The scams are odd — but fraudsters can sound incredibly convincing.
    Susan Tompor, Freep.com, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Florida fans can point to a pair of other odd, momentum-killing moments.
    Matt Baker, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Outlandish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outlandish. Accessed 10 Oct. 2025.

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