outlandish

adjective

ˌau̇t-ˈlan-dish How to pronounce outlandish (audio)
Definition of outlandishnext
1
as in bizarre
different from the ordinary in a way that causes curiosity or suspicion an outlandish outfit made entirely out of bottle caps

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in romantic
excitingly or mysteriously unusual the outlandish tribal rituals that astonished early explorers of that land

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Steve Kessel, director of marine research at Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium, applauds the educational possibilities of Shark Week, even when the outlandish outweighs the science. —Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 6 July 2025 John Cena and Idris Elba Cena keep us engaged as squabbling global dignitaries/odd couple who get marked for death due to an outlandish political usurping scheme. —Randy Myers, Mercury News, 4 July 2025 A little pocket bar of six tables and four bar seats, Malpractice balances its minimalist aesthetic with outlandish, maximalist glassware, and cocktails that are unapologetically playful. —Jordan Michelman, Bon Appetit Magazine, 4 July 2025 Then, in 2019, came the second observed interstellar object, 2I/Borisov, which bore all the hallmarks of a run-of-the-mill comet and thus inspired few, if any, outlandish claims of alien involvement. —Nora Bradford, Scientific American, 3 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for outlandish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outlandish
  1. bizarre
  2. romantic
  3. strange
  4. exotic
  5. funny
  6. weird
  7. colorful
  8. odd
Adjective
  • Some 40 of these bizarre, geochemically-active sub-Neptunes are currently being studied observationally.
    — Bruce Dorminey, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • As a result of a bizarre last-minute decision, the nominees in two Emmys categories will be announced Tuesday morning on CBS nearly four hours ahead of the TV Academy’s official nominations announcement, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.
    — Beatrice Verhoeven, HollywoodReporter, 14 July 2025
Definition of bizarre
Adjective
  • However, after Paul and Alex began a romantic relationship, the deal is put into question, while the billionaire's past and his intentions also came under doubt.
    — Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 9 July 2025
  • There are a few different interpretations and uses of the phrase, but the most popular is as a term of romantic interest.
    — Kara Nesvig, Parents, 9 July 2025
Definition of romantic
Adjective
  • Ali spends a good chunk of time confused by the strange words whirling around him.
    — Christopher J. Yates July 9, Literary Hub, 9 July 2025
  • Once it’s set, however, the song hits that midpoint launch, and the visuals take off with it, careening into a kaleidoscopic burst of moshing, shredding, and seemingly unfettered euphoria that quickly descends into strange violence and cannibalistic chaos.
    — Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 8 July 2025
Definition of strange
Adjective
  • Originally brought in through the exotic pet trade, the reptiles have since become widespread in South and Central Florida, where the subtropical climate supports their survival and reproduction.
    — Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 July 2025
  • For those who don't know, Area 51 is a large, secretive military base in the remote Nevada desert where several exotic military aircraft have been developed and tested over the years, including the venerable U-2 spy plane way back when.
    — Jim Clash, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025
Definition of exotic
Adjective
  • Well its funny to say this to Forbes — but the fashion system is financially small but culturally a very potent front of western supremacy.
    — Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
  • Make funny faces, play peek-a-boo, take them for a walk around the neighborhood.
    — Lauryn Higgins, Parents, 7 July 2025
Definition of funny
Adjective
  • The Rockies’ next head of baseball operations needs to come from outside their weird little world, but possess a feel for the challenges of building a winner at Coors Field.
    — Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 8 July 2025
  • Despite not being a purveyor of nail products, Selena Gomez has established herself as something of a finger chameleon (Too weird?
    — Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 8 July 2025
Definition of weird
Adjective
  • Not to mention, the pastry pink shade is perfect for bright, colorful summer outfits.
    — Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 8 July 2025
  • This Superman brings back the colorful visuals, the humor, the clever quips in the midst of battle, the lightheartedness of the vintage comics.
    — Scott Phillips, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
Definition of colorful
Adjective
  • The ever-changing face of modern gin has birthed many styles to pique the palate of the gin aficionado—or anyone partial to the odd G&T.
    — Camille Berry, Vogue, 15 July 2025
  • Depicted as short and animalistic in the comics, the tall, hunky Jackman seemed like an odd fit, but his interpretation of the retractable-clawed superhero is now definitive in mainstream popular culture.
    — EW.com, EW.com, 14 July 2025
Definition of odd

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outlanders
outlandish
outlands
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Cite this Entry

“Outlandish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outlandish. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.

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