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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 Blending the two forms requires a keen eye for visuals and an uncanny sense of the surreal. Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Oct. 2025 The film examines the exhilarating and uncanny experience of meeting a blood brother for the first time in adulthood. Zac Ntim, Deadline, 23 Oct. 2025 Butler also earned a nomination for his uncanny, sexy, performance. Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 22 Oct. 2025 Diabate is relentless and has an uncanny knack for the ball, endearing himself to his teammates with his penchant for keeping the ball alive or snatching offense rebounds off the glass. Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 21 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for uncanny
Recent Examples of Synonyms for uncanny
Adjective
  • As if dark energy weren't already mysterious and baffling enough, new research suggests that this unknown force may not be driving galaxies apart at an accelerating rate anymore.
    Robert Lea, Space.com, 6 Nov. 2025
  • The goddess planet knows the art of seduction, but when transiting Scorpio, her sweetness is equally seductive and mysterious.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • This creature’s strength is superhuman, which is unfortunate for anyone who happens to provoke him.
    Lindsey Bahr, Boston Herald, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Moments that remind you that not every hero needs a cape or superhuman strength to uplift the world.
    Carl Lamarre, Billboard, 14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The eerie clip features narration from Cale as Charli awakens in a gloomy house and pours hot candle wax on her body.
    Michael Saponara, Billboard, 10 Nov. 2025
  • Much of the debris had been cleared, which made the houseless lots seem even more eerie.
    Vann R. Newkirk II, The Atlantic, 10 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • In recent weeks, fans expressed concern after Spears posted dancing videos but opted to turn off comments on posts that had cryptic captions about her kids, Jayden James, 19, and Sean Preston, 20.
    Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones dropped a cryptic hint that a blockbuster trade was coming, and after the team acquired linebacker Logan Wilson from the Cincinnati Bengals, many fans and analysts criticized Jones for overdelivering.
    Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Some miraculous news, unexpected news.
    Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Blüemlisalphütte, its red and white shutters glinting in the miraculous sudden sunlight.
    Lucy Kehoe, AFAR Media, 31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Held captive in a shadowy basement, Michelle’s ordeal blurs the line between paranoia and revelation on Teddy’s remote ranch, where his hive of bees becomes a haunting metaphor for control.
    Tiana DeNicola, Variety, 4 Nov. 2025
  • The image of the delicate pink suit splattered with blood is one of the most haunting juxtapositions in modern history.
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 1 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Helena, meanwhile, was supposedly a mystic receiving directions from spiritual masters hidden in the Himalayas.
    Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 24 Oct. 2025
  • This was the danger Madison considered — that mystic memory would falsely elevate the Constitution.
    Big Think, Big Think, 10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Set on Christmas Eve, this adaptation of Chris Van Allsburg's beloved 1985 children's book follows a young boy whose waning belief in Santa Claus is reinvigorated after hopping on a magical train to the North Pole.
    Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Now, even some areas of the magical Okavango Delta have become busy.
    Elizabeth Gordon, Travel + Leisure, 8 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Uncanny.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/uncanny. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.

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