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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Bischoff found the whole situation bizarre.—
Zach Helfand,
New Yorker,
20 Apr. 2026
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The results were colorful, bursting with shapes and patterns, but often totally bizarre.—
Gabe Montesanti,
PEOPLE,
19 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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Roughly 61% say Trump has become more erratic with age, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll released in February.—
Phillip M. Bailey,
USA Today,
19 Apr. 2026
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Cuomo and other employees were concerned by Fahim’s bizarre and erratic behavior — along with his poor personal hygiene — and unsuccessfully tried to get the leaders of the firm to fire him.—
Sean Emery,
Oc Register,
14 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 21 Apr. 2026.
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