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strange land
surreal land
foreign land
unknown land
strange feelings
peculiar feelings
bizarre feelings
odd feelings
unusual feelings
weird feelings
strange behavior
bizarre behavior
suspicious behavior
odd behavior
unusual behavior
unexpected behavior
strange noises
unusual noises
scary noises
curious noises
peculiar noises
disturbing noises

Synonym Chooser

How is the word strange distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of strange are eccentric, erratic, odd, outlandish, peculiar, quaint, singular, and unique. While all these words mean "departing from what is ordinary, usual, or to be expected," strange stresses unfamiliarity and may apply to the foreign, the unnatural, the unaccountable.

a journey filled with strange sights

When might eccentric be a better fit than strange?

The meanings of eccentric and strange largely overlap; however, eccentric suggests a wide divergence from the usual or normal especially in behavior.

the eccentric eating habits of preschoolers

When could erratic be used to replace strange?

The words erratic and strange can be used in similar contexts, but erratic stresses a capricious and unpredictable wandering or deviating.

a friend's suddenly erratic behavior

In what contexts can odd take the place of strange?

Although the words odd and strange have much in common, odd applies to a departure from the regular or expected.

an odd sense of humor

When is it sensible to use outlandish instead of strange?

While in some cases nearly identical to strange, outlandish applies to what is uncouth, bizarre, or barbaric.

outlandish fashions of the time

When would peculiar be a good substitute for strange?

The synonyms peculiar and strange are sometimes interchangeable, but peculiar implies a marked distinctiveness.

the peculiar status of America's first lady

When is quaint a more appropriate choice than strange?

In some situations, the words quaint and strange are roughly equivalent. However, quaint suggests an old-fashioned but pleasant oddness.

a quaint fishing village

Where would singular be a reasonable alternative to strange?

While the synonyms singular and strange are close in meaning, singular suggests individuality or puzzling strangeness.

a singular feeling of impending disaster

When can unique be used instead of strange?

The words unique and strange are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, unique implies singularity and the fact of being without a known parallel.

a career unique in the annals of science

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 strange Keep your Hall of Fame career in a strange city and give me the Crawford experience, please. Grant Brisbee, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2025 And these critters are far from the only strange, funky caterpillars roaming Hawaii. Gayoung Lee, Scientific American, 24 Apr. 2025 If some readers were befuddled by Mr. Holland’s strange and magical imagery, graphic artists were entranced. Penelope Green, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025 These stores typically feature eclectic collections of oddities, collectibles, curiosities, and decorative items that appeal to collectors and enthusiasts of the strange and unique. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for strange
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strange
Adjective
  • Even more bizarre was the depth the starlight's dip changed with every transit.
    Victoria Corless, Space.com, 22 Apr. 2025
  • The gay man who was involved in Rep. Nancy Mace’s viral meltdown at an Ulta Beauty store is speaking out about the bizarre incident.
    Abby Monteil, Them., 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Great Barrier Reef has over 100 islands, from unique and exotic islands to the Whitsundays and the remarkable Northern Islands.
    Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Originals of the 1960s had their own exotic sources.
    Peter Bart, Deadline, 24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • For example, some autistic adults are more comfortable spending time with family and lifelong friends, while others may feel more comfortable socializing with unfamiliar people.
    Heidi Moawad, MD, Verywell Health, 18 Apr. 2025
  • As for the identity of Aradia herself, the name is unfamiliar to contemporary speakers of the dialects spoken in the Tuscany and Romagna regions that Leland allegedly visited.
    Angelica Frey, JSTOR Daily, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Although not musicians, the Goldbergs quickly realized there was something unusual about their 3-year-old boy.
    Steve Rothaus, Miami Herald, 21 Apr. 2025
  • For one group of six girls living in Waterloo, Canada, their lives took an unusual turn when a couple of very territorial geese decided to claim their front lawn as their own.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 19 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • It’s been a weird year for some of the league’s best closers.
    Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025
  • On the other hand, this three-month gap is a little weird.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Account hopes to combat misogynistic online content Creators like Andrew Tate provide a pipeline for men seeking advice about romantic rejection, physical self-esteem and economic insecurity to fall into radicalism and misogyny.
    Rachel Hale, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Not a depiction of romantic bliss, but a kind of love song all the same.
    Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • To keep it looking full and fresh all season, the manufacturer suggests a novel tip—just hit it with a hairdryer on low for effortless dusting.
    Miles Walls, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Apr. 2025
  • But no matter your preference, following the links enhances your creativity and interdisciplinary thinking, spurring novel connections between divergent ideas.
    Ann Kowal Smith, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The company promotes its concept of using compact properties, green energy systems and an uncommon construction process reduce costs, allowing lower rents.
    Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 23 Apr. 2025
  • In crime films with a socially conscious subplot about young people’s painful search for their place in Depression-era society, Garfield developed his natural ability to express an uncommon level of authenticity and truthfulness in any role.
    Leo Barraclough, Variety, 23 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Strange.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strange. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

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