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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 More recently, at least one lawmaker seemed to have an uncanny sense that the president’s tariffs were about to be paused. Bloomberg Opinion, Twin Cities, 28 Sep. 2025 Joanna Gaines has an uncanny ability to make anything beautiful. Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2025 Contortionism has been a fundamental cultural expression in Mongolia since the 12th century, and in this work Khuyagaa intertwines a celebration of this heritage with her interest in the female body, beauty, and the uncanny. Caterina De Biasio, Vogue, 24 Sep. 2025 The film’s deep bench of co-stars includes recent Oscar nominee Jeremy Strong as Springsteen’s manager Jon Landau, recent Emmy winner Stephen Graham as Springsteen’s father, and recent uncanny Theo Vonn impersonator Marc Maron as Springsteen’s producer. Vulture Staff, Vulture, 23 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for uncanny
Recent Examples of Synonyms for uncanny
Adjective
  • Set against the backdrop of the Mediterranean at the height of summer, the erotic thriller follows Calvin Wells (Funk), a charismatic conman who sets his sights on Katrine Winters (Meadow Williams), a mysterious billionaire widow.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 2 Oct. 2025
  • For an event celebrating a dark and mysterious being, the vibe is surprisingly uplifting.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • What went into choreographing a fight between two superhuman combatants?
    Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 23 Sep. 2025
  • His powers included manipulating fire, engulfing his body in flames, superhuman strength and flying.
    Olivia Singh, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • These looks often emphasize exaggerated features, painted-on rosy cheeks, and stitched details, incorporating eerie and whimsical elements.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Minimalistic yet vibrant, the now-iconic prismatic spectrum image and contrasting black background designed by Storm Thorgerson of Hipgnosis is eye-catching and eerie.
    Lina Lecaro, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The cryptic video came after one of the ugliest stretches yet in Cardi and Minaj’s decade-long feud.
    Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 3 Oct. 2025
  • This cryptic species, first described in 2001, was among several mammals recorded by trail cameras set up by researchers.
    Real-Time News team, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Inter reaching two Champions League finals in the past three seasons is nothing short of miraculous — particularly given the club got repossessed by the investment firm Oaktree just over a year ago.
    James Horncastle, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
  • In a miraculous turn of events, one of Whitefield’s closest friends and greatest promoters becomes none other than Benjamin Franklin.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Fire offered an evolved take on their post-hardcore calling card, but Water was largely electronic, resulting in a haunting yet serene setting.
    Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2025
  • In fact, this whole jaunt to Flatbush has been a somewhat haunting trip down memory lane for Oliver, who has been having flashbacks of being bullied and judged for his little purple scarf and penchant for the arts.
    Tom Smyth, Vulture, 30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Despite some promising high-concept notions such as an intergalactic federation, mystic beings, parasitic species, a sentient interstellar craft, and Slipstream FTL quantum mechanics, seemingly inevitable creative differences arose as the show progressed.
    Jeff Spry, Space.com, 2 Oct. 2025
  • In Completedworks’ spring 2026 presentation, the Texan actor and model took the stage as Miss Edie Grey, a television clairvoyant and mystic extraordinaire that can trace the history of objects with her magical touch.
    Hikmat Mohammed, Footwear News, 20 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The Secret of Orange Blossom Cake is about three generations of strong women on an ancestral olive farm and one magical summer that changes everything.
    Rachel Linden, PEOPLE, 4 Oct. 2025
  • The magical experiences and their significant meaning often fade without pre-dosing planning and post-session support.
    Sonia Singh, Rolling Stone, 3 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Uncanny.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/uncanny. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

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