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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 These over-the-top moments and the absurdity of its title may be the elements that made Zombi 2 famous, but beneath them is a movie with an eerie, uncanny vibe that's shockingly easy to get lost in. James Grebey, Time, 20 June 2025 So far, the game shares an uncanny synergy with Vampire Survivors. Joshua Lamb, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025 This is the first time fans get to hear the native Brooklynite’s uncanny ability to replicate the 20-time Grammy-winner’s voice. Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 18 June 2025 Wilson demonstrated an uncanny gift for harmonic invention and complex vocal and instrumental arrangements. Roy Trakin, HollywoodReporter, 11 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for uncanny
Recent Examples of Synonyms for uncanny
Adjective
  • All do so, apart from the titular madman, who has a mysterious reason to stay behind.
    Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 20 June 2025
  • The story in the graphic novel picks up 10 years after the events of the eponymous 1980 movie, as Joliet Jake disappears from prison under mysterious circumstances.
    Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • With his sword, superhuman strength, and loyal friends, He-Man defends Eternia and the secrets of Castle Grayskull from the forces of the evil sorcerer Skeletor.
    Shania Russell, EW.com, 15 June 2025
  • Previously, Munn played tenacious news journalist Sloan Sabbith on Aaron Sorkin’s The Newsroom series, as well as known for playing superhuman mutant Betsy Braddock in X-Men: Apocalypse.
    Jeff Conway, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025
Adjective
  • Eisenberg completed an eerie song praising West Elm as an oracular realm, then asked Scardino to write a short monologue to set it up.
    Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 30 June 2025
  • To get it in your inbox, sign up for free here. CNN — Some of the most intriguing science fiction springs from eerie, real-life phenomena.
    Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 29 June 2025
Adjective
  • The cryptic introduction is a subtle nod to the bartenders that the patron is about to order one of four drinks from the Burning Blade secret menu.
    Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 25 June 2025
  • Alongside firsthand accounts from cops, journalists, and survivors, the series unpacks how fear spread through the streets, fueled by cryptic letters, a frenzied press, and a killer who seemed to be everywhere and nowhere at once.
    Peter White, Deadline, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • There's also a nod to the narrator's wife making an unexpected comeback late on, though Robbie's miraculous/implausible (delete as appropriate) return from the dead stretches credibility way past breaking point.
    Richard Edwards, Space.com, 29 June 2025
  • Considering her herculean effort and miraculous success, the speediness of her undoing is stunning.
    Literary Hub June 23, Literary Hub, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • Despite his persistent claims of innocence, Chester Weger lived six decades in prison after confessing to the haunting 1960 Starved Rock State Park murders of three suburban Chicago women who were attacked during a hike in broad daylight.
    Christy Gutowski, Chicago Tribune, 24 June 2025
  • But what began as an ordinary evening would soon become one of the region's most haunting cold cases.
    Christina Coulter, People.com, 7 June 2025
Adjective
  • Something of a mystic, just like af Klint, Martin found meaning and structure in artistic practice and spiritual rigor.
    Melissa Febos, The Atlantic, 9 June 2025
  • This book contains the first English translation of the writings of af Klint, a Swedish painter and mystic.
    Melissa Febos, The Atlantic, 9 June 2025
Adjective
  • The magical moment made Cyrus the first official guest performer of the tour.
    Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 20 June 2025
  • Lionel Messi’s free kick from just outside the Porto penalty area in the 54th minute provided this Club World Cup with its first magical moment.
    Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 20 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Uncanny.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/uncanny. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

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