BIZARRE Synonyms: 134 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'bizarre' different from other adjectives like it?

The words fantastic and grotesque are common synonyms of bizarre . While all three words mean "conceived, made, or carried out without adherence to truth or reality," bizarre applies to the sensationally strange and implies violence of contrast or incongruity of combination. // a bizarre medieval castle in the heart of a modern city

Q: When can 'fantastic' be used instead of 'bizarre'?

While the synonyms fantastic and bizarre are close in meaning, fantastic may connote extravagance in conception or ingenuity of decorative invention. // dreamed up fantastic rumors

Q: When might 'grotesque' be a better fit than 'bizarre'?

Although the words grotesque and bizarre have much in common, grotesque may apply to what is conventionally ugly but artistically effective or it may connote ludicrous awkwardness or incongruity often with sinister or tragic overtones. // grotesque statues on the cathedral // though grieving, she made a grotesque attempt at a smile

bizarre

adjective

bə-ˈzär

Definition of bizarre next

as in absurd

conceived or made without regard for reason or reality a bizarre invention that no one could figure out how to use

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in strange

different from the ordinary in a way that causes curiosity or suspicion he gave a bizarre excuse for getting home so late

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How is the word bizarre different from other adjectives like it?

The words fantastic and grotesque are common synonyms of bizarre. While all three words mean "conceived, made, or carried out without adherence to truth or reality," bizarre applies to the sensationally strange and implies violence of contrast or incongruity of combination.

a bizarre medieval castle in the heart of a modern city

When can fantastic be used instead of bizarre?

While the synonyms fantastic and bizarre are close in meaning, fantastic may connote extravagance in conception or ingenuity of decorative invention.

dreamed up fantastic rumors

When might grotesque be a better fit than bizarre?

Although the words grotesque and bizarre have much in common, grotesque may apply to what is conventionally ugly but artistically effective or it may connote ludicrous awkwardness or incongruity often with sinister or tragic overtones.

grotesque statues on the cathedral

though grieving, she made a grotesque attempt at a smile

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 bizarre In one of the more bizarre awards season streaks, Denzel Washington remains without a single BAFTA nomination across his illustrious career. —

Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 15 Jan. 2025 But the even more bizarre part about the situation is that McLeod scored without getting credit for a shot on goal. —

Matthew Fairburn, The Athletic, 15 Jan. 2025 To be of service to our readers, Ars has done the work of looking through hundreds of such items presented at the 2025 Consumer Electronic Show, pulling out the most bizarre, unnecessary, and head-scratching items. —

Ars Technica, 11 Jan. 2025 When Amazon began exclusively broadcasting NFL games a few years ago, the notion of a tech company streaming primetime football seemed bizarre. —

Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 5 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for bizarre

Recent Examples of Synonyms for bizarre

Adjective

Ironically, its only real payoff is its surreal magnitude of Drake-centricity (down to casting a look-alike), which largely ends up being absurd and hilarious thanks to events entirely outside of the film’s purview.

— Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 28 Jan. 2025
Courts should continue to quickly reject his absurd, insulting, and ahistorical legal arguments, which violate the clear text of the 14th Amendment.

— Elizabeth Wydra and Nina Henry, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025