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Synonym Chooser

How is the word uncanny distinct from other similar adjectives?

The words eerie and weird are common synonyms of uncanny. While all three words mean "mysteriously strange or fantastic," uncanny implies disquieting strangeness or mysteriousness.

an uncanny resemblance between total strangers

In what contexts can eerie take the place of uncanny?

The words eerie and uncanny are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, eerie suggests an uneasy or fearful consciousness that mysterious and malign powers are at work.

an eerie calm preceded the bombing raid

When would weird be a good substitute for uncanny?

Although the words weird and uncanny have much in common, weird may imply an unearthly or supernatural strangeness or it may stress peculiarity or oddness.

weird creatures from another world

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 uncanny Diabate is relentless and has an uncanny knack for the ball, endearing himself to his teammates with his penchant for keeping the ball alive or snatching offense rebounds off the glass. Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 21 Oct. 2025 Leap has an uncanny ability to find bones and carcasses anywhere and then parade them in front of her friends. Abigail Wise, Outside, 21 Oct. 2025 There are newspaper clippings, from the 1950s through to the 2000s, concerning ghost sightings, or reports of poltergeists in market towns or children who appear to possess uncanny extrasensory powers. Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2025 Max Schreck’s uncanny performance and makeup design were absolutely mesmerizing, as was the film’s unparalleled haunting atmosphere, made all the more palpable by the grainy 16mm transfer to VHS. Robert Eggers, HollywoodReporter, 17 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for uncanny
Recent Examples of Synonyms for uncanny
Adjective
  • In a decadent Venetian hotel, androgynous Eva is drawn to the mysterious Contessa.
    Leo Barraclough, Variety, 23 Oct. 2025
  • When a mysterious prankster befalls the town of Middlesburg, 13-year-old Frances McCausland (Erin Chambers) gets blamed for the mischief.
    Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • This creature’s strength is superhuman, which is unfortunate for anyone who happens to provoke him.
    Lindsey Bahr, Boston Herald, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Moments that remind you that not every hero needs a cape or superhuman strength to uplift the world.
    Carl Lamarre, Billboard, 14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • From an island shaped like a battleship to a village said to be home to a legendary witch, explore seven of the world’s eeriest, most mysterious destinations.
    Sarah Hutter, CNN Money, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Over the years, in a third-floor guestroom (3327) where the woman stayed, guests have reported a number of strange and eerie occurrences.
    Noreen Kompanik, Boston Herald, 26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Welch announced their album Everybody Scream back in August, following a few cryptic teasers.
    Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 24 Oct. 2025
  • This led many fans to believe that online discussions and interviews referencing his expiring contract were part of an elaborate storyline, given Kross's cryptic persona.
    Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The bad feelings flared up moments after Payton's Broncos pulled off a miraculous rally on Sunday, beating New York 33-32 in a game that Denver trailed by 18 with six minutes left.
    David K. Li, NBC news, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Since defeating the Kansas City Chiefs, Las Vegas Raiders and Denver Broncos and raising expectations around the NFL, the Chargers have been on a less-than-stellar stretch in which their only victory in their past four games was a miraculous, last-minute win over the struggling Miami Dolphins.
    Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The truth can be far more haunting than any scary story.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Max Schreck’s uncanny performance and makeup design were absolutely mesmerizing, as was the film’s unparalleled haunting atmosphere, made all the more palpable by the grainy 16mm transfer to VHS.
    Robert Eggers, HollywoodReporter, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Helena, meanwhile, was supposedly a mystic receiving directions from spiritual masters hidden in the Himalayas.
    Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 24 Oct. 2025
  • This was the danger Madison considered — that mystic memory would falsely elevate the Constitution.
    Big Think, Big Think, 10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Although Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy reprised their roles as the magical trio for the 2022 sequel, Birch, Katz and Shaw were not present for the onscreen reunion.
    Glenn Garner, Deadline, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Enjoying a swimming hole in the summer is a prime Vermont pastime, but the state's waterways are just as magical in the colder months.
    Megan Margulies, Travel + Leisure, 24 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Uncanny.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/uncanny. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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