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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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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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
Hillmon’s on-court net rating is a preposterous plus-32.9.
—
Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 2 June 2025
As for Pitt, his Sonny Hayes is a perfectly serviceable archetype for this: a one-time wunderkind driver wrecked by injury whose adult life becomes a morass of preposterous risk with minimal upside.
—Paul A. Thompson, Pitchfork, 20 June 2025
David Faris: While the president sat, visibly bored at the preposterous military parade unsubtly scheduled for his birthday, Americans participated in one of the largest mass protests in our history.
—Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 June 2025
His preposterous 401 feet of putts made for the championship also led all players.
—Justin Ray, New York Times, 16 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for preposterous
Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 2 June 2025
As for Pitt, his Sonny Hayes is a perfectly serviceable archetype for this: a one-time wunderkind driver wrecked by injury whose adult life becomes a morass of preposterous risk with minimal upside.
—Paul A. Thompson, Pitchfork, 20 June 2025
David Faris: While the president sat, visibly bored at the preposterous military parade unsubtly scheduled for his birthday, Americans participated in one of the largest mass protests in our history.
—Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 June 2025
His preposterous 401 feet of putts made for the championship also led all players.
—Justin Ray, New York Times, 16 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for preposterous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preposterous
Adjective
-
Rich and influential adults enjoyed Lear’s company, but Lear himself preferred making mischief for children, telling absurd stories and drawing impossible creatures.—
Caroline Carlson
June 30,
Literary Hub,
30 June 2025
-
Traditionally, a show truck of this caliber would be fitted with an absurd array of chrome lightbars, air horns and blingy accessories but that would be counterintuitive to the vehicle’s mission.—
Trinity Francis,
Forbes.com,
29 June 2025
Adjective
-
Jeff: This has been such a silly way to seed the in-season tournament.—
Jeff Gluck,
New York Times,
21 June 2025
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Between silly videos and heartfelt tributes, Palmer has been relishing in motherhood.—
Kayla Grant,
People.com,
20 June 2025
Adjective
-
But her physical discomfort, brain fog, and financial stress had made the idea of writing a novel seem ridiculous.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
30 June 2025
-
The crowded panorama of ticktocking boxes is ridiculous and charming and absolutely unforgettable in its slightly manic demonstration of Japanese hobbyism.—
Jessica Kozuka,
Travel + Leisure,
29 June 2025
Adjective
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While most players at the KPMG Women's PGA Championship are battling the Texas heat, slow play, and a demanding Fields Ranch East layout, Leona Maguire is dealing with something far more bizarre—tick bites!—
Devlina Sarkar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 June 2025
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The bizarre mix of world football and American football was once again clashing early in the game.—
Kyle Feldscher,
CNN Money,
20 June 2025
Adjective
-
Making a prediction for Game 7 is obviously foolish.—
The Athletic NBA Staff,
New York Times,
22 June 2025
-
This seems foolish since the U.S. has some 25-30% of the world’s coal, which is even more than China.—
Jude Clemente,
Forbes.com,
16 June 2025
Adjective
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Nevertheless, the squad needs to shift strategies and Sonny is here to take them from pathetic to aggressive.—
Amy Nicholson,
Los Angeles Times,
26 June 2025
-
Jarvis’ performance is transformative, making Mark both pathetic and feverishly alive, his corrosive remorse seemingly genuine.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
10 June 2025
Adjective
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In a sit-down interview, Goldberg said the amount of disrespect Gunther had for Goldberg was unreal.—
Alfred Konuwa,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2025
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And, if Mateer and Ott are as-advertised, this could be an unreal year for the Sooners.—
Nick Baumgardner,
New York Times,
18 June 2025
Adjective
-
Mexican men were dismissed as violent Panchos and stupid Pedros.—
Gustavo Arellano,
Los Angeles Times,
24 June 2025
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There’s more stupid romance around harder substances but few chemicals are more hazardous to ambition than THC.—
Benjamin Hale
June 23,
Literary Hub,
23 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Preposterous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preposterous. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.
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