1
as in absurd
conceived or made without regard for reason or reality
the idea that extraterrestrials built the pyramids is preposterous
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in silly
showing or marked by a lack of good sense or judgment
a preposterous suggestion to go swimming in this freezing weather
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in ridiculous
so foolish or pointless as to be worthy of scornful laughter
the movie thriller had such a preposterous plot that we were on the edge of our seats snickering
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples 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 preposterous
Besides the fact that there is no evidence that any L.A government official purposefully started the fires — frankly a preposterous claim — most of Jones’ attempts at blame seem to draw in more viewers rather than address any real issues amid L.A’s disaster.
—
Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 10 Jan. 2025
So great is the distance that the concept of a closing window for the Bills’ championship dreams never has sounded more preposterous.
—Tim Graham, The Athletic, 7 Jan. 2025
Darwin’s ideas inspired many Victorians to wonder whether their pets might be taught human languages and vice versa, setting off a long period of preposterous at-home experiments.
—Camille Bromley Gabra Zackman Krish Seenivasan David Mason, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2025
They’ll be rewarded for taking preposterous holes seriously, but also for having fun along the way.
—Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 3 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for preposterous 
Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 10 Jan. 2025
So great is the distance that the concept of a closing window for the Bills’ championship dreams never has sounded more preposterous.
—Tim Graham, The Athletic, 7 Jan. 2025
Darwin’s ideas inspired many Victorians to wonder whether their pets might be taught human languages and vice versa, setting off a long period of preposterous at-home experiments.
—Camille Bromley Gabra Zackman Krish Seenivasan David Mason, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2025
They’ll be rewarded for taking preposterous holes seriously, but also for having fun along the way.
—Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 3 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for preposterous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preposterous
Adjective
-
Lies, no matter how absurd, gain traction the more they're repeated.—
Michael Gfoeller And David H. Rundell,
Newsweek,
16 Jan. 2025
-
In yet another absurd Elon Musk news story, it's been revealed that people are betting on how many times the owner of X will post on his platform in a week.—
Jibin Joseph,
PCMAG,
15 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
The Couple Next Door The Bottom Line PG-13 partner-swapping upstaged by silly thriller subplots.—
Daniel Fienberg,
The Hollywood Reporter,
17 Jan. 2025
-
In the unreliable reality the older Owen inhabits, his favorite childhood show was in fact silly, sloppy, and decidedly low-stakes.—
Samantha Allen,
Them,
14 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Saquon Barkley put up more ridiculous numbers in the Philadelphia Eagles’ NFC Championship victory over the Washington Commanders on Sunday night, leading to jabs at the New York Giants.—
Ryan Gaydos,
Fox News,
27 Jan. 2025
-
Because 7½ minutes of real time to play 20 seconds of basketball is beyond ridiculous.—
Mark Zeigler,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
By Judy Berman January 17, 2025 6:00 AM EST The spectacular finale of Severance’s first season introduced a love triangle more bizarre than New Order could ever have imagined.—
Judy Berman,
TIME,
17 Jan. 2025
-
Duran Duran has paid tribute to the late American filmmaker David Lynch, whose brilliant and bizarre films laid the inspirational groundwork for a young Nick Rhodes.—
Lars Brandle,
Billboard,
17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
In other words, the labor market and the economy remain strong and solid on their own, but could be undone by foolish economic policies that our politicians might implement.—
Harry Holzer,
Forbes,
10 Jan. 2025
-
The grade partly reflects the inevitable hot streak that would make a lower grade look foolish.—
Allan Mitchell,
The Athletic,
10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Something drastic has to be done with this pathetic group of men masquerading as basketball players.—
Ticked Off,
Orlando Sentinel,
24 Jan. 2025
-
On Vanderpump Rules, this man was smug, pathetic, punchable.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
14 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Spanx’s signature fabric smooths in all the right ways for an unreal workout experience.—
Kristina Rutkowski,
Vogue,
21 Jan. 2025
-
Here’s how unreal the DFLers’ world is from yours and mine.—
Joe Soucheray,
Twin Cities,
18 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
There are no more stupid questions and an open, supportive, and curious culture evolves.—
Darpan Munjal,
Forbes,
21 Jan. 2025
-
So if someone is crazy slash stupid enough to do that.—
Outside Online,
Outside Online,
16 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near preposterous
Cite this Entry
“Preposterous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preposterous. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share