outré

adjective

ou·​tré ü-ˈtrā 

: violating convention or propriety : bizarre

Synonyms

• bizarre
• bizarro
• cranky
• crazy
• curious
• eccentric
• erratic
• far-out
• funky
• funny
• kinky
• kooky
• kookie
• odd
• off-kilter
• off-the-wall
• offbeat
• out-of-the-way
• outlandish
• peculiar
• quaint
• queer
• queerish
• quirky
• remarkable
• rum [chiefly British]
• screwy
• spaced-out
• strange
• wacky
• whacky
• way-out
• weird
• weirdo
• wild

Example Sentences

His art is a bit too outré for most people to enjoy.

an actor known more for his outré offscreen antics than for his on-screen performances

Recent Examples on the Web

Many an outre fashion statement was photographed and breathlessly described at the Tonys. —Chris Jones, chicagotribune.com, 12 June 2019

Kelela also has an ear for blending outre electronic instrumentation that seems to swoon under her powerful voice. —Leor Galil, Chicago Reader, 27 Oct. 2017

Buffalo Bills’ quarterback Tyrod Taylor has a penchant for sartorially astute three-piece suits, while the Denver Broncos’ outside linebacker Von Miller takes a more outre approach with his big ol’ Burt Reynolds glasses and cowboy hats. —Jacob Gallagher, WSJ, 24 Oct. 2017

Word History

Etymology

French, from past participle of outrer to go beyond, carry to excess, from Old French ultrer, utrer, from ultre, outre beyond

First Known Use

1722, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

outré

adjective

ou·​tré ü-ˈtrā 

: very strange or unusual : bizarre

Etymology

French