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Synonym Chooser

How is the word weird distinct from other similar adjectives?

The words eerie and uncanny are common synonyms of weird. While all three words mean "mysteriously strange or fantastic," weird may imply an unearthly or supernatural strangeness or it may stress peculiarity or oddness.

weird creatures from another world

When would eerie be a good substitute for weird?

While in some cases nearly identical to weird, eerie suggests an uneasy or fearful consciousness that mysterious and malign powers are at work.

an eerie calm preceded the bombing raid

When might uncanny be a better fit than weird?

The meanings of uncanny and weird largely overlap; however, uncanny implies disquieting strangeness or mysteriousness.

an uncanny resemblance between total strangers

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 weird Schiffmann’s answer to the legal fine print is that Friend is a weird, first-of-its-kind product, so the terms of service are intentionally heavy. Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2025 My body wakes me up a few minutes before my alarm because of a weird dream. R29 Team, Refinery29, 1 Oct. 2025 The premise is just there to set up jokes about Chad Powers’ weird looks and absurd backstory (Russ likes to improvise answers, despite being terrible at it), while establishing a unique starting point for a conventional sports redemption story. Ben Travers, IndieWire, 29 Sep. 2025 None of those things applies to Aesha Scott, the Below Deck franchise fixture who became a fan favorite for being relentlessly positive, overwhelmingly nice, and delightfully weird. Brian Moylan, Vulture, 29 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for weird
Recent Examples of Synonyms for weird
Adjective
  • Tactically, the most notable feature of the final was how regularly the two goalkeepers found themselves in bizarre positions, rushing out to close down attackers in wide areas.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Shortly after the in-person meeting, Kacie bowed out in one of the most bizarre breakups ever shown.
    Emily Longeretta, Variety, 4 Oct. 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 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
Adjective
  • This is not particularly unusual, and in a traditional 4-2-3-1 system, forcing a team down one side is effective.
    Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
  • The lawsuit is the first to challenge the administration's unusual use of partisan messaging in government communications during the shutdown, which legal experts told NPR may violate federal ethics laws.
    Shannon Bond, NPR, 5 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Known for their loud personalities, huskies are no stranger to using their voices, but a video of a senior, deaf husky's silent howl is proving that even without sound, the breed still speaks volumes.
    Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Holland also told police about other strange behavior, including an argument while shopping at Wal-Mart, where Overstreet looked at her angrily and pointed at a missing person's picture of Myers posted inside the store.
    Kristine Phillips, IndyStar, 3 Oct. 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
  • At its headquarters, PhDs and technical university graduates work alongside factory workers to create Firmenich’s magic potions.
    Peter Vanham, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2025
  • There’s no magic pill to feel better, but sticking to these basics will go a long way.
    Jocelyn Solis-Moreira, Flow Space, 30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Jonathan was so funny and quick-witted for such a young kid.
    Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Having this really intense action scene, and then all of a sudden a joke, a funny moment.
    H. Alan Scott, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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