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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 Despite such concerns, Dominion remained at the center of some of the most outlandish conspiracy theories broadcast on Newsmax and other right-leaning outlets. Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Aug. 2025 Yet a challenge is whether the British version will be able to sustain such outlandish arguments and unnecessary high-stakes situations that has made the original franchise so loved. Scott Bryan, Variety, 17 Aug. 2025 Charli also played an outlandish version of herself for Benito Skinner’s hit comedy series Overcompensating, which released in May. Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 15 Aug. 2025 Everyone knows that the relentless speed of Carmy’s kitchen, and his more recent obsession with reimagining The Bear’s daily menu, has been equally ambitious and outlandish. Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 9 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for outlandish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outlandish
Adjective
  • But upon Bennet’s arrival, things take a turn for the bizarre, when the wealthy tycoon builds himself a prison cell in the basement, in an apparent act of meditative penance that forces Blakey into an inversion of traditional power dynamics.
    Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Tasked with bringing into reality those that are a little further down on the bizarre end of the spectrum, the show’s prosthetics and VFX teams had their work cut out for them.
    Lisa de los Reyes, HollywoodReporter, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • His most recent work was 2023's Coup de Chance, a French romantic thriller that marked his 50th feature film and premiered at the Venice International Film Festival.
    Mekishana Pierre, EW.com, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Fresh off a romantic vacation in Mallorca, the Friends starlet was seen in Los Angeles sporting a basic grey tank top tucked into a pair of light-wash, wide-leg jeans—a late ‘90s look that Rachel Green definitely would have worn herself.
    Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Because something very strange happens here.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Probably not, given the company’s strange hesitance to part ways with its current leadership.
    Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • But there are also completely unexpected sights, like edible ferns, exotic chilis, and snake beans, which look like string beans but are about twice the length.
    Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Animal Rescue Corps not only saves cats and dogs, but also exotic pets, barnyard animals, wildlife, and even once saved hundreds of mice from a hoarding case.
    Meg Dunn, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Several commenters expressed their support for him, saying emphatic no’s and doubling down on how funny the skit was.
    Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 4 Sep. 2025
  • The show has captured the world’s imagination with its charming, funny, and relatable observations about everyday family life.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Even with Muchová so clearly struggling, Osaka faced some weird jeopardy down the stretch.
    Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Far from being dead, reunions exist now in a zone of distortion, a weird gray area in which many people feel obligated to go without quite knowing why.
    Jordan Michelman, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Tommy and re-united ex-wife Angela (Ali Larter) will continue with colorful combustion.
    Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025
  • On the Cielo Point Lawn, there’s a variety of family activities, including a caricature artist, a tie-dye station to create colorful T-shirts, watermelon eating contests, and more.
    Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • There is an odd statistic connected to Osaka that means everything or nothing.
    Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Beyond the site rise the blocky tops of many-coloured containers, the odd crane.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 4 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Outlandish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outlandish. Accessed 7 Sep. 2025.

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