outrageous

adjective

out·​ra·​geous (ˌ)au̇t-ˈrā-jəs How to pronounce outrageous (audio)
1
a
: exceeding the limits of what is usual
the outrageous weather we have been afflicted withNew Yorker
outrageous prices
b
: not conventional or matter-of-fact : fantastic
outrageous costumes
an outrageous tale
2
: violent, unrestrained
outrageous behavior
3
a
: going beyond all standards of what is right or decent
an outrageous disregard of human rights
b
: deficient in propriety (see propriety sense 2a) or good taste
outrageous language
outrageous manners
outrageously adverb
outrageousness noun

Examples of outrageous in a Sentence

They will be punished for their outrageous behavior. This is outrageous! I will not put up with such treatment. She's known for her wild hairdos and outrageous costumes. At first it seemed like an outrageous idea, but then we realized that it wasn't so crazy after all. The article makes some outrageous claims about her personal life.
Recent Examples on the Web So Miss Manners is not surprised to hear this outrageous notion repeated, even by the very people who become its victims. Judith Martin, The Mercury News, 23 Sep. 2024 Introduced in 2021, the pickup was largely a publicity play: An outrageous attempt to generate headlines and buzz – and attract a few customers to a new family of off-road luxury EVs under GMC Hummer brand. Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press, 19 Sep. 2024 There have been lots of outrageous, unfactual claims in recent weeks during the current presidential campaign — and yes, from both sides. The Editorial Board, Orange County Register, 18 Sep. 2024 For years, various politicians and pundits have yelled themselves hoarse over the danger of normalizing Trump’s chicanery, casual mendacity, outrageous divisiveness and outright criminal behavior. Mary McNamara, Los Angeles Times, 12 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for outrageous 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'outrageous.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of outrageous was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near outrageous

Cite this Entry

“Outrageous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outrageous. Accessed 5 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

outrageous

adjective
out·​ra·​geous au̇t-ˈrā-jəs How to pronounce outrageous (audio)
: extremely annoying, insulting, or shameful : shocking
outrageously adverb
outrageousness noun

Legal Definition

outrageous

adjective
out·​ra·​geous au̇t-ˈrā-jəs How to pronounce outrageous (audio)
: going beyond standards of decency : utterly intolerable in a civilized society
outrageous conduct
outrageously adverb
outrageousness noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!