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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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
Among politicians, the idea of using nuclear weapons to build a better Panama Canal was seen as increasingly preposterous.
—
Literary Hub, 11 June 2025
This was a preposterous undertaking, like trying to rank the various pixels of a magic eye poster.
—Pitchfork, 6 June 2025
Not only that, but 2024 was a preposterous statistical season for the Broncos’ 2021 first-round pick.
—Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 5 June 2025
Now the splendidly preposterous charm is the face of actor Kevin Spacey embossed on a lucky sweatshirt.
—Jeff Kleinman, Miami Herald, 3 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for preposterous
Literary Hub, 11 June 2025
This was a preposterous undertaking, like trying to rank the various pixels of a magic eye poster.
—Pitchfork, 6 June 2025
Not only that, but 2024 was a preposterous statistical season for the Broncos’ 2021 first-round pick.
—Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 5 June 2025
Now the splendidly preposterous charm is the face of actor Kevin Spacey embossed on a lucky sweatshirt.
—Jeff Kleinman, Miami Herald, 3 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for preposterous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preposterous
Adjective
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The College World Series semifinals concluded Wednesday, allowing Houston Astros manager Joe Espada another chance to marvel at an absurd ascension.—
Chandler Rome,
New York Times,
20 June 2025
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The nutrient can indeed help with all of those, but sometimes, the claims turn absurd.—
Lila Shroff,
The Atlantic,
20 June 2025
Adjective
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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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With stores across the state at one point, Vine had opened his first in 1950 and went on to become well-known across the state by appearing in his own silly but catchy commercials, sometimes with his wife.—
Staff report,
Hartford Courant,
20 June 2025
Adjective
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Even for a show that’s famous for its silliness, this is a ridiculous storyline.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
20 June 2025
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And finally… As bad as some teams are, the rule that every club must be represented at the All-Star Game borders on ridiculous.—
Ken Rosenthal,
New York Times,
20 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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And frankly that bizarre idea makes the PEN Charter incoherent too.—
Kamila Shamsie
June 20,
Literary Hub,
20 June 2025
Adjective
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Making a prediction for Game 7 is obviously foolish.—
The Athletic NBA Staff,
New York Times,
22 June 2025
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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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So why did a chess engine that came under the pathetic category and only looks one move ahead not just defeat but humiliate ChatGPT?—
David Szondy
June 15,
New Atlas,
15 June 2025
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Not because ownership has had a change of heart, but rather as a way to address their pathetic offense.—
Mac Engel,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
6 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
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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 2 Jul. 2025.
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