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 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
Adjective
  • But Ecuadorian authorities have remained mostly silent about the bizarre incidents.
    Michael Rios, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Bobby’s color palette is bizarre, and her idea of a sash that transforms into a shawl scarf is really cool but executed poorly.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 14 Aug. 2026
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
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
Adjective
  • At the recommendation of assistant director of player personnel Jason Stein, the Mets signed Yan to a two-year minor-league deal, an unusual contract for a healthy pitcher.
    Will Sammon, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Her parents approach sexuality head on, almost with glee, which is certainly unusual for their time and place.
    Deborah Treisman, New Yorker, 16 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The explanation behind this family man’s strange case is well chronicled in many Chicago and New York news stories.
    Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Symptoms include anxiety, hypervigilance, confusion and mania, and taking on activities that might be considered strange.
    Deborah Becker, NPR, 16 Aug. 2026
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
Adjective
  • The top 50 is the magic number this week because those players are assured to getting into all the $20 million signature events next year.
    ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Few stories are as closely associated with the Middle East as Aladdin's magic lamp.
    Alia Noor, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
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

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Cite this Entry

“Weird.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/weird. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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