1
as in absurd
conceived or made without regard for reason or reality
the idea that extraterrestrials built the pyramids is preposterous
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in silly
showing or marked by a lack of good sense or judgment
a preposterous suggestion to go swimming in this freezing weather
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in ridiculous
so foolish or pointless as to be worthy of scornful laughter
the movie thriller had such a preposterous plot that we were on the edge of our seats snickering
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of preposterous
The series is wildly atmospheric with plenty of gallows humor and more than a few truly loopy plotlines, but great fun with Davis managing, as ever, to sell even the most preposterous scene.
—
Culture Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
8 June 2026
The statement was greeted by the event moderator and the other laureates as preposterous enough to make the simulation hypothesis seem reasonable by comparison.
—
Quanta Magazine,
8 June 2026
Add that to this team’s seemingly endless list of the preposterous.
—
Gabriel Burns,
AJC.com,
29 May 2026
The team that lands Björck in the draft is going to net a preposterous value.
—
Thomas Drance,
New York Times,
29 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for preposterous
Culture Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
8 June 2026
The statement was greeted by the event moderator and the other laureates as preposterous enough to make the simulation hypothesis seem reasonable by comparison.
—
Quanta Magazine,
8 June 2026
Add that to this team’s seemingly endless list of the preposterous.
—
Gabriel Burns,
AJC.com,
29 May 2026
The team that lands Björck in the draft is going to net a preposterous value.
—
Thomas Drance,
New York Times,
29 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for preposterous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preposterous
Adjective
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Blending historical facts and patriotic myths, the works offer a vibrant, playful and sometimes absurd look at events like the signing of the Declaration of Independence and Washington crossing the Delaware.
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As tensions rise and panic sets in, the sisters are forced into a painful and increasingly absurd fight for survival before the homeowner returns.
Adjective
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Over the years, the visuals dramatically improve, from snuff film aesthetics to confidently silly splendor.
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The Alexa smart assistant is as good as ever, with tons of useful and silly skills, along with deep integration for ordering items via Amazon.
Adjective
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Americans may have become too intolerant of heat, but this is patently ridiculous.
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And the old person who rebels is ridiculous.
Adjective
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When Aaron Paul’s Jeff attempts to make a suspicious deposit, the bank teller (a game Nina Dobrev) demands to be in on the deal, in the sort of neo-noir twist that could suggest a rich film world populated with bizarre freaks of all stripes.
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In the canon of DC Comics, Comet is truly a bizarre character.
Adjective
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For one, the corporation made major investments in WeWork, a coworking space startup that imploded in spectacular fashion in 2019, leaving the possibility that his all-in on AI could come to look foolish as well.
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Some thought the move was foolish.
Adjective
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After these first three majors — and after a pathetic showing this week at Shinnecock — there's no reason to bet against it.
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The Right Now’s Diana Levy — the executive producer of the stunt — asked reporters to spread out in a way that would make the turnout appear as sparse (and therefore pathetic) as possible.
Adjective
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These digital technologies have also created an echo chamber of self-confirming views, which has contributed to an unreal, simplified view of a nuanced, messy world.
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The air is fresh and clean, the pace is calm, and the views are unreal.
Adjective
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But even the most perfect Constitution can be undone by the wicked with the help of the bought, the stupid, and the cowardly.
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White can believe Hokit said something stupid and still believe fighters should be allowed to speak for themselves.
Cite this Entry
“Preposterous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preposterous. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.
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