Definition of uncannynext
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Synonym Chooser

How is the word uncanny distinct from other similar adjectives?

The words eerie and weird are common synonyms of uncanny. While all three words mean "mysteriously strange or fantastic," uncanny implies disquieting strangeness or mysteriousness.

an uncanny resemblance between total strangers

In what contexts can eerie take the place of uncanny?

The words eerie and uncanny are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, eerie suggests an uneasy or fearful consciousness that mysterious and malign powers are at work.

an eerie calm preceded the bombing raid

When would weird be a good substitute for uncanny?

Although the words weird and uncanny have much in common, weird may imply an unearthly or supernatural strangeness or it may stress peculiarity or oddness.

weird creatures from another world

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 uncanny In the last few years, Scandinavia has become the global center for all manner of uncanny cloud rock and ambient pop wonder, from the dreamy Danes to screw-pop savants like Smerz. Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 22 Jan. 2026 The Nebula’s uncanny resemblance to a Bugatti has also raised eyebrows. Andy Browne, semafor.com, 19 Jan. 2026 The defensive coordinator’s ability to build a championship roster was uncanny. Charles Billington, Chicago Tribune, 18 Jan. 2026 Also, the timing is hauntingly uncanny. Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 16 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for uncanny
Recent Examples of Synonyms for uncanny
Adjective
  • The other is a smaller, more mysterious handheld chunk of willow or poplar wood that may have been used to shape stone tools, according to research published Monday in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
    Adithi Ramakrishnan, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2026
  • But when a mysterious woman opens The Grand Lisbon restaurant, his glittering world begins to fracture, exposing the fragile balance between success, memory, and longing.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Anthony Edwards has been superhuman with his shot making at the ends of games for much of the season.
    Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 23 Jan. 2026
  • The near-term threat is not superhuman machines but the decline of thinking, feeling, and social humans.
    Ian Bremmer, Time, 6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • In a very eerie Hitchcock-like episode, the Frenchman returns to remind Boone of his critical part in the climate crisis.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2026
  • When the crashing stopped, an eerie quiet fell over the highway.
    Nichole Manna, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Bryony hopes that sharing her story will help spread awareness about cryptic pregnancies, or stealth pregnancies.
    Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Disco, Occasionally, the British superstar’s fourth studio album that’s been teased via a creeping, ongoing rollout with cryptic posters, a WhatsApp chat, listening sessions in indie record shops and a series of city residencies in place of a sprawling global tour.
    Jeff Benjamin, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Georgia Tech nearly made a miraculous rally from a 15-point deficit late in their game against Virginia Tech Tuesday.
    AJC Sports, AJC.com, 28 Jan. 2026
  • What did happen is still miraculous.
    Jim Cramer, CNBC, 25 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, the path winds through cypress groves and leads to the haunting ruins of Sutro Baths.
    Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
  • The ubiquity of the state’s homelessness has become one of its most distinctive traits—a haunting tableau of its unaffordability and social disorder.
    Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 22 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Although Nuccio is as down to earth as anyone could be, and definitely not a mystic, there can be no disputing his stature as a remarkable man.
    Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Madonna was born and raised Catholic but has long practiced the Jewish mystic tradition of Kabbalah and adopted the Hebrew name Esther in 2004, per The Forward.
    Sophie Dodd, PEOPLE, 21 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • Two centuries ago, Joseph Fourier gave mathematicians a magical technique.
    Leila Sloman, Quanta Magazine, 28 Jan. 2026
  • Thank you for surprising me with the most magical night in my favorite place.
    Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 28 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Uncanny.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/uncanny. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.

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