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 Nolan experiments with his usual visual palette, too, and isn’t afraid to really get weird in terms of the look and feel of scenes. Brian Truitt, USA Today, 15 July 2026 The Gophers have won at least eight games in four of the last five seasons, and Fleck has reached a bowl every year since 2018, save for the weird 2020 season. Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 15 July 2026 Still, just like with all the weird, unpractical multitools that emerge every week, there's something cool about one piece of gear that can flip, zip and convert to perform multiple tasks. New Atlas, 14 July 2026 Your novel will still be there tomorrow or whenever the air stops having that weird smell. Jiji Lee, New Yorker, 14 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for weird
Recent Examples of Synonyms for weird
Adjective
  • When this place is eventually gone — a phrase that feels truly bizarre given the environment this summer and the half-century preceding it — the lasting images will be the seas of red.
    Sam McDowell Updated July 3, Kansas City Star, 4 July 2026
  • Continue reading … 'DEEPLY WEIRD' — CNN panel's bizarre 'read as Jewish' comment about a senator draws fierce blowback.
    , FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
Adjective
  • If Walt Disney World is the happiest place on Earth, then Burj Al Babas in northwestern Türkiye might be the eeriest.
    Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 16 July 2026
  • The Little Mermaid was widely criticized for the eerie appearance of the creatures which inhabit its undersea world.
    Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
Adjective
  • There are no Zeus or Poseidon or Ino or Heracles sightings, and the herald Hermes, who has a pretty big role in Homer’s tale — freeing Odysseus from Calypso and giving him a magical herb to shield him from Circe’s spells — is nowhere to be found.
    Marlow Stern, Variety, 17 July 2026
  • Geneva Lewis plays the work’s magical violin part, conducted by Nicolas Ellis; the event also includes music by Wagner, Vaughan Williams and others.
    Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 16 July 2026
Adjective
  • Although his adoption listing didn't mention his unusual paws, his foster mom did.
    Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026
  • Indeed, that has led to the highly unusual situation of Australia not being the defending champions in either women’s World Cup, with India holding the 50-over title and New Zealand the T20 crown.
    Paul Newman, New York Times, 5 July 2026
Adjective
  • Others may miss the warmth of a person who can read the room, handle a strange request or help when something goes wrong.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
  • Canada coach Jesse Marsch gives strange interview after Morocco World Cup loss.
    Alex Connor, USA Today, 5 July 2026
Adjective
  • Sophie, a Polish immigrant, is forced to make an unconscionable decision which will have life-changing and haunting consequences.
    Lea Tran, TheWeek, 8 July 2026
  • The couple made their relationship public in 2008 and went on to appear together in Kelly Reichardt's haunting neo-Western Meek's Cutoff (2010).
    Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 1 July 2026
Adjective
  • On the pitching front, there is no magic answer for succeeding at Coors Field, but the way the Rockies’ front office identifies and selects pitchers will be equally interesting this weekend.
    Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 9 July 2026
  • The evening will include a magic show, a balloon twister and the district’s climbing tree, according to an electronic newsletter.
    Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026
Adjective
  • The 26-year-old Houston native was an instant draw for audiences, who connected with her funny, outspoken—yet still plenty vulnerable—personality.
    Rachel Brodsky, Time, 14 July 2026
  • More than just funny mistakes Spoonerisms are only one kind of speech error.
    Karen Stollznow, The Conversation, 14 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Weird.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/weird. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.

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