Definition of weirdnext
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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 This is a weird decision, given that the purse-like sleeve is one of the most disliked features of the AirPods Max. — Christian De Looper, PC Magazine, 2 Nov. 2026 New Mexico improved to 7-1 on the year after going on the road and knocking off San Jose State on Halloween and kept a very weird streak alive. — Mark Harris Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 Nov. 2026 The weirdest shoes our interviewees owned included sporty lace-up pumps, original Russian bath mesh flip-flops, Birkenstock clogs, The Art Company shoes and Tabi mary janes. — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 30 Oct. 2026 But, that would still make for a weird offseason, considering neither side would have clarity on what the sport’s economic system will ultimately look like. — Evan Drellich, New York Times, 29 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for weird
Recent Examples of Synonyms for weird
Adjective
  • The appeal of Bleak House, for instance, is bound up in its bad actors and bizarre names, less so the action.
    — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 30 Oct. 2026
  • The Seaside Police Department received the tip about Bumper’s bizarre breakfast invoice in August.
    — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • How Eclipse Images Sparked a Scientific Partnership When Druckmüller developed the film from his 1999 eclipse expedition, the photographs didn’t do justice to the event’s eerie beauty.
    — IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 5 Nov. 2026
  • The six-episode thriller paints an eerie image of small-town life in Newfoundland, and viewers are intrigued by the mystique of the striking Canadian backdrop.
    — Rachel Chang, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Sayers holds that mark at 22 with 14 rushing touchdowns, six receiving, one punt return and one kickoff return in that magical 1965 season.
    — Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Of course, this project is an invitation to add more magical beings to the MCU and explore the Strange-adjacent side of it.
    — Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 4 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • The Wiles interviews stuck out for their candor, which is unusual for a sitting White House chief of staff.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Claude can also flag unusual transactions, duplicate charges, unexpected fees and bills that have gradually increased.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Talk about strange beginnings at Friday’s City Section Division I football playoff opener between Sun Valley Poly and host Marshall.
    — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 7 Nov. 2026
  • And having one of those is as strange and terrifying as anything else in the universe.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • What unfolds is a heartbreaking, at times haunting story about a little boy who strove to become a legend, and the woman who understood his manic, at times reckless drive.
    — Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 20 Oct. 2026
  • For decades, the 1934 photograph of the Loch Ness Monster was a haunting image of a lost world.
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 18 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Touches of surrealism—or even magic—in author-illustrator Jimmy Liao’s detailed artwork add intriguing layers to the story.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Two kids chase a magic key to prevent their friend, who uses a wheelchair, from being forced out due to broken elevators.
    — Marta Balaga, Variety, 2 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Martin McDonagh’s latest comic provocation takes place on Easter Island and in 1970s Chile, where a ferociously funny John Malkovich and Sam Rockwell aim to upend the rule of law.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Sian is so funny and fun, and so is Mark, and so is Dylan [O’Brien].
    — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 4 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Weird.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/weird. Accessed 8 Nov. 2026.

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