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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 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
-
Buddhist, recently widowed, and a successful artist, Rose is ditsy and rather eccentric, but is grounded by a 13-year-old step-granddaughter.—
The Know,
Denver Post,
31 May 2026
-
Enter into this scenario eccentric Dutch psychic Helga ten Dorp (played by Davies), whose unsettling visions threaten to expose everyone’s secrets.—
Philip Potempa,
Chicago Tribune,
29 May 2026
Adjective
-
That’s just a really bizarre back and forth to exist in.—
Hanif Abdurraqib,
New Yorker,
31 May 2026
-
As the story builds toward a violent showdown between the mourners and the town, the reader will be entranced by its surreal language and bizarre logic.—
Gabrielle Bellot,
Literary Hub,
29 May 2026
Adjective
-
Cindy Morgan, who played bombshell Lacey Underall, recalled to Sports Illustrated in 2010 that, funny as Dangerfield was, the comic was nervous about his performance.—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
28 May 2026
-
Abdullah Saeed’s Deli Boys debuted last year with a bang, quickly establishing itself as one of the most vibrant, funny, and well-rendered shows streaming.—
Emma Specter,
Vogue,
28 May 2026
Adjective
-
His erratic, punitive and ultimately unconstitutional approach to tariffs has resulted in an economic mess of payouts to farmers and reimbursements.—
DP Opinion,
Denver Post,
31 May 2026
-
Roki Sasaki flashed triple-digit velocity for the first time this season, but battled erratic command.—
Liana Handler,
Los Angeles Times,
31 May 2026
Adjective
-
The author could herself be considered predatorial, having written her own children in as the books’ protagonists, saddling them with a strange kind of fame.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
2 June 2026
-
This strange occurrence echoes what happened at the top of the dot-com bubble 26 years ago.—
Lim Hui Jie,
CNBC,
2 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Outré.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outr%C3%A9. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
