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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

Examples of uncanny in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web This surreal journey through a drunken night of uncanny encounters is a classic of Nigerian literature, fearlessly stacking absurdity atop absurdity. The Week Us, theweek, 15 Oct. 2024 On the show, Lyonne plays an accidental case-of-the-week murder-solver with the uncanny ability to know when people are lying — no earth-bending required. Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 14 Oct. 2024 In the industrial districts and uncanny domiciles of Istanbul, evil gradually starts to appear. Zac Ntim, Deadline, 10 Oct. 2024 The uncanny specificity with which Wells addressed Britain on the brink of war is a startling reminder of the insight that Millennial artists lack. Armond White, National Review, 9 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for uncanny 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'uncanny.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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Cite this Entry

“Uncanny.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/uncanny. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on uncanny

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