UNCANNY Synonyms: 167 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

uncanny

adjective

ˌən-ˈka-nē

Definition of uncanny next

as in mysterious

being beyond one's powers to know, understand, or explain a number of uncanny parallels in the lives of the twins who had been separated at birth

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in superhuman

being so extraordinary or abnormal as to suggest powers which violate the laws of nature an uncanny gift for knowing when someone, no matter how distant, needed help

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in eerie

fearfully and mysteriously strange or fantastic uncanny and unexpected shadows along the mountainsides

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 With fearlessness and an uncanny ability to learn on the fly, Allison Tilly turned an emergency situation into a championship-winning week to remember for Lemont. —

Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 30 May 2026 Scientists have uncovered a new mechanism of their uncanny precision, especially in overcast conditions. —

Kasha Patel, CNN Money, 29 May 2026 Asked about her son’s uncanny focus and attention to detail, his mom mentioned Malachi’s artistic nature. —

Bruce Feldman, New York Times, 28 May 2026 The montage pairs this image with uncanny shots of our rookie homemaker literally drowning in a mountain of laundry. —

Natalia Winkelman, Variety, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for uncanny

Recent Examples of Synonyms for uncanny

Adjective

Exciting discoveries await with the opening of various mysterious pristine boxes.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
The film stars Alan Ritchson, who is likely to return for the sequel, and follows the final recruits of a grueling Special Ops boot camp who encounter a mysterious deadly force.

— Justin Kroll, Deadline, 2 June 2026