weird

adjective

ˈwird How to pronounce weird (audio)
Definition of weirdnext
1
as in bizarre
different from the ordinary in a way that causes curiosity or suspicion always has a somewhat weird opinion of what's happening in the news

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in eerie
fearfully and mysteriously strange or fantastic weird sounds from the woods just beyond our campsite

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3
as in magical
having seemingly supernatural qualities or powers a self-styled, contemporary witch, she sells herbal mixtures that she claims are weird potions

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4
as in unusual
noticeably different from what is generally found or experienced a weird little plant that we found growing in the garden

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 But while ripoffs and dodgy reboots are common in horror, some of the weirdest unauthorized sequels are the result of an obsessed fan self-financing a tribute to their favorite movie. — Katie Rife, IndieWire, 11 Aug. 2026 On the clock at Fox and Pearl, butcher and charcutier Guy Danforth prepares meats that may appear avant-garde or sound downright weird. — Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 11 Aug. 2026 Tia and Tamera Mowry Being a twin can be weird, and being a famous twin must come with its own unique particularities. — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Aug. 2026 Giraffes were revered in China at the time, for one weird reason. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for weird
Recent Examples of Synonyms for weird
  1. bizarre
  2. eerie
  3. magical
  4. unusual
  5. strange
  6. haunting
  7. magic
  8. funny
Adjective
  • Years earlier at her former lab in Ohio, chromosomes in mouse eggs and embryos began dividing in bizarre ways, creating the kinds of genetic errors that can lead to Down syndrome and other chromosomal disorders.
    — Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Her videos were outrageous and conspiratorial, and the more elaborate and bizarre her stories became, the more people online were drawn to her.
    — Zander Sherman, Rolling Stone, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of bizarre
Adjective
  • Then, after a series of eerie harbingers, the Platts discover the power and water in the house have shut off in the aftermath of an intense storm, and the atmosphere outside has turned unsettling and oddly tropical.
    — Alison Willmore, Vulture, 12 Aug. 2026
  • In Greenwich Park, with views of the River Thames and central London, the sky turned an eerie gray as a sliver of light sat atop the moon like a hat.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of eerie
Adjective
  • In the middle of Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake, the islands are a magical landscape where locals and pilgrims connect with ancient spirits at a sacred waterfall.
    — Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Fried practices art history and criticism as a poetic, almost magical endeavor.
    — Carlos Valladares, ARTnews.com, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of magical
Adjective
  • The conflict played out under the watchful eye of Johnson’s senior adviser, Jason Lee — an unusual involvement for a high-ranking mayoral staffer, given that the $8 million grant is administered by a separate department.
    — Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Guerrero’s struggles have been particularly noticeable, creating an unusual disconnect between his superstar status and his production.
    — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of unusual
Adjective
  • Investigators later ruled out trains and power lines as possible causes — and traced the fire’s point of origin to the same spot Child witnessed the man’s strange behavior.
    — Cindy Von Quednow, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026
  • And Dad actually makes an uncredited vocal cameo on one of the album’s more blessedly strange tracks.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of strange
Adjective
  • There’s nothing more haunting than walking on those beautiful soundstages that are ghost towns.
    — Antonio Ferme, Variety, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Despite lingering radiation, Pripyat draws photographers and history enthusiasts eager to witness one of the most complete—and haunting—portraits of a city abruptly frozen.
    — Kieron Marchese, Architectural Digest, 27 July 2026
Definition of haunting
Adjective
  • Later in the episode, Big Bang‘s Wil Wheaton shows up to reveal to Stuart that Bernadette is in fact a demon and is killed by Bert (Posehn) in a magic power duel.
    — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Considering that her designs—from the quirky and unmistakable totem collars to magic floating orbs and funky-fine rings—look like nothing else and immediately spark joy, Ashley Moubayed is keeping disco very much alive.
    — Madeline Hirsch, InStyle, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of magic
Adjective
  • Sarcasm is an interesting thing because it can be viewed by some people as funny and other people as hurtful.
    — Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • A little bit funny, a lot cheesy and completely, unabashedly earnest, her Liz is — like moms everywhere — at once a perfectly ordinary woman and the center of the universe.
    — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of funny

Phrases Containing weird

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weird
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Cite this Entry

“Weird.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/weird. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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