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Synonym Chooser

How is the word outlandish distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of outlandish are eccentric, erratic, odd, peculiar, quaint, singular, strange, and unique. While all these words mean "departing from what is ordinary, usual, or to be expected," outlandish applies to what is uncouth, bizarre, or barbaric.

outlandish fashions of the time

When is it sensible to use eccentric instead of outlandish?

The words eccentric and outlandish can be used in similar contexts, but eccentric suggests a wide divergence from the usual or normal especially in behavior.

the eccentric eating habits of preschoolers

In what contexts can erratic take the place of outlandish?

Although the words erratic and outlandish have much in common, erratic stresses a capricious and unpredictable wandering or deviating.

a friend's suddenly erratic behavior

When can odd be used instead of outlandish?

In some situations, the words odd and outlandish are roughly equivalent. However, odd applies to a departure from the regular or expected.

an odd sense of humor

When would peculiar be a good substitute for outlandish?

While the synonyms peculiar and outlandish are close in meaning, peculiar implies a marked distinctiveness.

the peculiar status of America's first lady

When could quaint be used to replace outlandish?

The meanings of quaint and outlandish largely overlap; however, quaint suggests an old-fashioned but pleasant oddness.

a quaint fishing village

When is singular a more appropriate choice than outlandish?

The words singular and outlandish are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, singular suggests individuality or puzzling strangeness.

a singular feeling of impending disaster

Where would strange be a reasonable alternative to outlandish?

While in some cases nearly identical to outlandish, strange stresses unfamiliarity and may apply to the foreign, the unnatural, the unaccountable.

a journey filled with strange sights

When might unique be a better fit than outlandish?

The synonyms unique and outlandish are sometimes interchangeable, but unique implies singularity and the fact of being without a known parallel.

a career unique in the annals of science

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 outlandish In Venice, Rio and New Orleans, outlandish disguises give revelers a chance to flaunt their individuality. Jennie Rothenberg Gritz, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Dec. 2024 This year has produced more than its fair share of unique and outlandish architecture. New Atlas, 29 Dec. 2024 Social media influencers use outlandish spending to garner millions of views. Lance Eliot, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025 Neymar’s flair, his outlandish hairstyles and his love for Brazil’s famed Rio Carnival epitomize his nation’s mentality that sport and life should be enjoyed at a maximum. Felipe Cardenas, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for outlandish 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outlandish
Adjective
  • Does that explain his bizarre excursion to allow Arnaut Danjuma to score?
    Greg O'Keeffe, The Athletic, 30 Jan. 2025
  • Archaeologists have uncovered a series of bizarre ancient burials in France.
    Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Both the broad comedy of romantic rivalry and the gallows humor of immigration-system bureaucracy are tempered by moments of community and transcendence.
    Judy Berman, TIME, 3 Feb. 2025
  • The collection featured romantic satin dresses, denim, plaid sets, knitwear and outerwear — all with a comfortable, cottage-core vibe perfect for country fans and stylish dressers alike.
    Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 3 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Fujifilm first introduced this strange form factor in 2018, which was subsequently launched as the Full HD Z5000 the following year – along with the Z8000.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 3 Feb. 2025
  • Scientists have detected something strange in Earth’s magnetosphere, some 100,000 miles away from the ground.
    Sara Hashemi, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Savile Row tailor Richard Anderson also sees value in keeping exotic patterns fenced in, so to speak.
    Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 31 Jan. 2025
  • People were taking them to all sorts of exotic places.
    Jean E. Palmieri, WWD, 30 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The sweet, funny, profound ceremony in Oakland on Saturday could have doubled as a celebration of life for A’s baseball here, as the team migrates to Sacramento this season with its sights set on Las Vegas.
    Daniel Brown, The Athletic, 2 Feb. 2025
  • April is funny and self-deprecating, seemingly comfortable in her skin despite the constant questioning of her gender.
    Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 1 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • There’s this weird gray zone between a cult and a company, or any system of power, especially one where there is sort of a charismatic personality at the top of it like Kier Eagan.
    Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 31 Jan. 2025
  • First, read the BAIT: a weird and wonderful pick from any time in film.
    Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 31 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The quiet town of Frederick, Maryland, has been flying under the radar for years, though locals love it for its 19th-century architecture, colorful history, and wealth of independent shops and restaurants.
    Madeline Weinfield, Travel + Leisure, 2 Feb. 2025
  • Those colorful, mouthwatering displays, new products, and check-out aisle treats can be all too tempting to add to your cart.
    Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • And not much tension is built into the film before then — just a long list of odd incidents without any sense of rising action.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 28 Jan. 2025
  • But the whole thing is oppressive and, in an odd way, not very interesting.
    Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 26 Jan. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Outlandish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outlandish. Accessed 6 Feb. 2025.

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