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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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 In recent years, the typical Shears song has cloaked descriptions of paranormal encounters in hardcore distortion and cartoon sound effects, fleshing out the twins’ strange world while hinting at weirder mysteries beneath the surface. — Jude Noel, Pitchfork, 22 July 2026 Now, this controversial drought of exomoons may have become even more confusing and, frankly, weird. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 22 July 2026 Eric, Chief Eric Fadden, apparently is the safety director of the city, weird. — Joel Feder, The Drive, 22 July 2026 Other dogs have exquisitely sensitive stomachs — just a tiny bite of something weird leads to blowout diarrhea and vomiting. — Jane Sykes, Washington Post, 21 July 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
  • The bizarre Democratic resistance to voter ID requirements also runs counter to common sense.
    — Editorial, Boston Herald, 27 July 2026
  • The Brit landed a solid one-two early and from there Prenga never re-found his feet, allowing Joshua to land a huge right hand that sent Prenga to the canvas and brought an early end to a bizarre see-saw fight.
    — Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 25 July 2026
Definition of bizarre
Adjective
  • During totality, the moon will completely block the sun, revealing the solar corona — the sun’s outer atmosphere — while turning day into an eerie twilight.
    — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • Some of the best songs are less than two minutes, coming and going with eerie focus, leaving lingering afterimages.
    — Brian Howe, Pitchfork, 21 July 2026
Definition of eerie
Adjective
  • But to nature lovers like me, swamps are magical, teeming with wildlife — places of tranquility filled with otherworldly beauty.
    — Charles Seabrook, AJC.com, 25 July 2026
  • The Dubs went all-in on James as their magical missing piece.
    — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 24 July 2026
Definition of magical
Adjective
  • Changes in color, cloudiness, or unusual appearance can be signs the medication may not be stable anymore.
    — Judy Koutsky, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
  • These are cases that were acquired in the US, rather than from travel abroad, which makes this year unusual.
    — Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 25 July 2026
Definition of unusual
Adjective
  • The catfish in that Vermont lake has joined a very strange club.
    — John Drake, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • Of all the peculiar assignments a newspaper reporter can undertake, writing advance obituaries for local notables who are still very much alive is one of the strangest.
    — Suzanne Van Atten, AJC.com, 26 July 2026
Definition of strange
Adjective
  • The animation perfectly complements its contemplative pace, drawing us deeper into its haunting world.
    — William Earl, Variety, 25 July 2026
  • Chiwetel Ejiofor stars as a furniture-store owner who finds himself in the titular liminal space, a haunting maze of hallways and rooms that exists on a physically impossible plane of existence.
    — Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 24 July 2026
Definition of haunting
Adjective
  • Cameron relented, taking out his scissors and cutting a few superfluous scenes, but the film still wasn't quite at the magic mark.
    — Sergio Pereira, Space.com, 19 July 2026
  • There’s an impressive magic effect that occurs when one or two men are able to quickly turn themselves into a pit band, or off-Broadway chorale.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 18 July 2026
Definition of magic
Adjective
  • In reality, admissions officers routinely remember essays that are joyful, funny, intellectually playful, or quietly reflective.
    — Dr. Liz Doe Stone, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • Besides being a talented singer, Babyface is also a funny and engaging performer.
    — Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado July 22, Sacbee.com, 22 July 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 28 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on weird

Nglish: Translation of weird for Spanish Speakers

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