1
as in absurd
conceived or made without regard for reason or reality
the idea that extraterrestrials built the pyramids is preposterous
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 preposterous
The Leafs took four penalties in that period alone — a preposterous amount in a game carrying these kinds of stakes.
—
Chris Johnston, New York Times, 12 May 2025
The women in Trollope’s work seem to understand how curtailed their lives are, and their behavior—as the pet of their husband or of their father—is calibrated in response to the preposterous conditions of being a woman in the nineteenth century.
—The New Yorker, New Yorker, 30 Apr. 2025
That was a fun, if preposterous movie, but it was actually based on the 1975 Japanese thriller Bullet Train.
—Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
In terms of achievements that were once equally preposterous and inconceivable 30 years ago, TCU reaching the Sweet 16 in women’s basketball is on the same level as the school making the national title game in football.
—Mac Engel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preposterous
Chris Johnston, New York Times, 12 May 2025
The women in Trollope’s work seem to understand how curtailed their lives are, and their behavior—as the pet of their husband or of their father—is calibrated in response to the preposterous conditions of being a woman in the nineteenth century.
—The New Yorker, New Yorker, 30 Apr. 2025
That was a fun, if preposterous movie, but it was actually based on the 1975 Japanese thriller Bullet Train.
—Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
In terms of achievements that were once equally preposterous and inconceivable 30 years ago, TCU reaching the Sweet 16 in women’s basketball is on the same level as the school making the national title game in football.
—Mac Engel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preposterous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preposterous
Adjective
-
Read it because existence is absurd, and laughter might be the most intelligent response available.—
Newsweek Staff,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 May 2025
-
One thing that’s been a challenge to satirists in the last 10 years is that reality has become so absurd, with the dumbest possible things happening every day, that there doesn’t always seem to be another level for satire to go to.—
Alan Sepinwall,
Rolling Stone,
28 May 2025
Adjective
-
If a couple players on the Dodgers can make a silly comment, so can the owner of the Yankees.—
Bill Shaikin,
Los Angeles Times,
29 May 2025
-
Tassi writes that social media is full of videos of gamers making AI Darth Vader do and say silly things.—
Megan Poinski,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2025
Adjective
-
The 30-year-old actor’s longevity is clearly due to his willingness to fully commit to his characters, no matter how ridiculous.—
Armon Sadler,
VIBE.com,
27 May 2025
-
As Yankees first baseman Paul Goldschmidt looped a single over the infield and into short right, the sublime gave way to ridiculous.—
Denver Post,
Denver Post,
26 May 2025
Adjective
-
Joining me is my Staten Island brother, Pete Davidson, who unveils a darker, dramatic side as his character navigates a bizarre group of residents in an old age home.—
Etan Vlessing,
HollywoodReporter,
29 May 2025
-
Part of that stems from fewer bizarre storytelling choices (good!), and part of it is a byproduct of an overly cautious attitude toward character development (bad).—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
28 May 2025
Adjective
-
To write off the Israeli leader would be foolish, especially with new elections not required until late 2026.—
Yair Rosenberg,
The Atlantic,
22 May 2025
-
His writing is so human—his people are foolish in such human ways.—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
21 May 2025
Adjective
-
What with weakened teams and consistently pathetic performances, their league form on both their parts has been pathetic enough to be termed a dereliction of duty.—
Tim Spiers,
New York Times,
22 May 2025
-
Take yesterday’s left hook out of nowhere by President Donald Trump, bragging about doing something that would bust even this pathetic budget.—
Jim Cramer,
CNBC,
21 May 2025
Adjective
-
By 2028, Hunter should be bigger and stronger, traits that will complement his unreal combination of speed and athleticism.—
Tashan Reed,
New York Times,
21 May 2025
-
The pressure to succeed is completely overwhelming, and the constant comparison to something that is unreal can become too much for anyone.—
Suzanne Blake,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 May 2025
Adjective
-
Not just on the training pitch but in the dorm rooms, talking about the future and giggling at stupid jokes.—
Jack Pitt-Brooke,
New York Times,
21 May 2025
-
President Donald Trump said only stupid people would refuse a $400 million gift.—
Joe Soucheray,
Twin Cities,
17 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Preposterous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preposterous. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share