as in eccentric
different from the ordinary in a way that causes curiosity or suspicion
an actor known more for his outré offscreen antics than for his on-screen performances
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Recent Examples of outré
In adolescence, Ogden found a new, more outre guiding star.
—
Bill Donahue, Outside, 14 Feb. 2026
Many an outre fashion statement was photographed and breathlessly described at the Tonys.
—Chris Jones, chicagotribune.com, 12 June 2019
Kelela also has an ear for blending outre electronic instrumentation that seems to swoon under her powerful voice.
—Leor Galil, Chicago Reader, 27 Oct. 2017
Buffalo Bills’ quarterback Tyrod Taylor has a penchant for sartorially astute three-piece suits, while the Denver Broncos’ outside linebacker Von Miller takes a more outre approach with his big ol’ Burt Reynolds glasses and cowboy hats.
—Jacob Gallagher, WSJ, 24 Oct. 2017
Bill Donahue, Outside, 14 Feb. 2026
Many an outre fashion statement was photographed and breathlessly described at the Tonys.
—Chris Jones, chicagotribune.com, 12 June 2019
Kelela also has an ear for blending outre electronic instrumentation that seems to swoon under her powerful voice.
—Leor Galil, Chicago Reader, 27 Oct. 2017
Buffalo Bills’ quarterback Tyrod Taylor has a penchant for sartorially astute three-piece suits, while the Denver Broncos’ outside linebacker Von Miller takes a more outre approach with his big ol’ Burt Reynolds glasses and cowboy hats.
—Jacob Gallagher, WSJ, 24 Oct. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outré
Adjective
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An eccentric burnout, someone for whom the eighties had been dazzling but dimming at the same time.—
Douglas Stuart,
New Yorker,
12 Apr. 2026
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The series chronicles the exploits of Kuashal Niroula and Danny Garcia as they are roped into an impressive group of eccentric, like-minded con artists to form the ‘gay grifters’ swindling a bevy of unsuspecting victims out of millions in cash and property over a decade plus.—
Kate Aurthur,
Variety,
10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Esther said that Kim was upset about McCormick's bizarre behavior.—
Peter Van Sant,
CBS News,
12 Apr. 2026
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The Sharks allowed second-period goals to Marco Rossi — on a bizarre play –– and Jake DeBrusk on a Canucks power play as the two teams entered the third period tied 2-2.—
Curtis Pashelka,
Mercury News,
12 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Plus, some of my stickers are just funny.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Apr. 2026
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Big-hearted and sharply funny, Lucy Schulman is a charming comedic coming-of-age story from multihyphenate Tribeca alum Ellie Sachs.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
16 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Authorities said at the time she was taken into custody on March 4, by the California Highway Patrol on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs after officers stopped a BMW 430i reported for erratic, high-speed driving.—
Shafiq Najib,
ABC News,
12 Apr. 2026
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The arrest marked yet another setback for Spears, whose erratic social media presence has drawn concern from fans in the wake of her conservatorship ending in 2021.—
Jeff Nelson,
PEOPLE,
12 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Still, scrolling through TMZ’s posts of congresspeople instills a strange rush of Schadenfreude.—
Paula Mejía,
New Yorker,
15 Apr. 2026
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This is one of the stranger ironies — liberal politicians, often skeptical of market forces, become true believers in rosy stock market projections that will render new commitments affordable.—
Daniel DiSalvo,
New York Daily News,
14 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Outré.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outr%C3%A9. Accessed 19 Apr. 2026.
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