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
And please, spare me the preposterous comparisons to January 6, when the only death was of an unarmed female Air Force veteran who was laughing as she was gunned down in cold blood by a racist cop who was then given multiple awards by Democrats.
—
Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 12 Sep. 2025
The idea that the government will prevent shootings in the future is preposterous.
—Joe Soucheray, Twin Cities, 6 Sep. 2025
While Mare blossoms quickly under his guidance, the rest lag doltishly behind, using journalism as a pretext to confront an ex, or getting duped by some teens into writing a credulous account of a preposterous youth trend.
—Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 3 Sep. 2025
These things are so preposterous.
—Tax Notes Staff, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preposterous
Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 12 Sep. 2025
The idea that the government will prevent shootings in the future is preposterous.
—Joe Soucheray, Twin Cities, 6 Sep. 2025
While Mare blossoms quickly under his guidance, the rest lag doltishly behind, using journalism as a pretext to confront an ex, or getting duped by some teens into writing a credulous account of a preposterous youth trend.
—Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 3 Sep. 2025
These things are so preposterous.
—Tax Notes Staff, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preposterous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preposterous
Adjective
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But the true spectacle, his essence, is watching Hardy barge to an absurd-but-revealing 485 yards after contact and what that’s creating.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
25 Sep. 2025
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This remake is most curious for the contrast—Cervantes’ novel is thought to be the first realist piece of literature, where Rushdie’s update is decidedly absurd.—
Brittany Allen,
Literary Hub,
25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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This dance party for toddlers and preschoolers is packed with silly puppets, cheerful songs, and endless smiles!—
Sarah Z. Sleeper,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
28 Sep. 2025
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And why that silly jacket in the middle of June?—
David Wright Faladé,
New Yorker,
28 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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This is the most ridiculous robbery ever, Mirvat thought.—
Théoden Janes,
Charlotte Observer,
30 Sep. 2025
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Summarize Text – Get a quick overview of a long email, article or contract and understand those ridiculous ‘Terms of Service’ agreements.—
Ken Colburn,
AZCentral.com,
29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Take the quiz here … CHAOTIC CALAMITY – Seahawks' celebration turns to disaster as bizarre fumble gives Cardinals new life.—
,
FOXNews.com,
26 Sep. 2025
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Watch On Together, the beads and star arms painted a bizarre, layered portrait of Saturn's skies.—
Sharmila Kuthunur,
Space.com,
25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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This place belongs to the Carver, a deranged butcher who hunts anything foolish enough to enter.—
Meredith G. White,
AZCentral.com,
25 Sep. 2025
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France had been humiliated in 1871 by Prussia in a foolish war of its own making, and Dreyfus, accused of passing military secrets to the Germans, was a convenient scapegoat in a time of national malaise.—
Ian Buruma,
New Yorker,
22 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Characters can be pathetic, and frank about their Toledo Truth Teller’s bleak prospects.—
Brittany Allen,
Literary Hub,
23 Sep. 2025
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Jimmy Kimmel is a pathetic hate monger.—
Dave Smith,
Fortune,
18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Winocour’s intent seems to be to take the fashion world, in its slightly unreal glamour and money and power, and bring it gently down to earth and humanize it.—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
9 Sep. 2025
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The air is fresh, the pace is calm, and the views are unreal.—
Alexandra Emanuelli,
Travel + Leisure,
6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The real star of this episode, however, was Gretchen Christine Beauté and her stupid Lara Croft outfit.—
Brian Moylan,
Vulture,
26 Sep. 2025
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Among the colorful cast of rogues, villains, queens and clergymen, Andre The Giant stands out as the young suitor’s kind-hearted but stupid brute.—
Duane Byrge,
HollywoodReporter,
25 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Preposterous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preposterous. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.
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