bizarre

1 of 2

adjective

bi·​zarre bə-ˈzär How to pronounce bizarre (audio)
Synonyms of bizarre
: strikingly out of the ordinary: such as
a
: odd, extravagant, or eccentric in style or mode
His behavior was bizarre.
bizarre stories
a bizarre outfit
b
: involving sensational contrasts or incongruities
the bizarre timidity of a tall, strapping young man
bizarrely adverb
bizarreness noun

bizarre

2 of 2

noun

botany : a flower with atypical striped marking

Synonyms of bizarre

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Adjective

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fantastic, bizarre, grotesque mean conceived, made, or carried out without adherence to truth or reality.

fantastic may connote extravagance in conception or ingenuity of decorative invention.

dreamed up fantastic rumors

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

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

Examples of bizarre in a Sentence

Adjective I just heard the most bizarre story. She wore a bizarre outfit.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Adjective
According to folklore, as with many of the United Kingdom’s more bizarre sports and pastimes, the idea to jump into the bog and snorkel was conceived after a few ales in a local pub. — Rob Tanner, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026 Her bizarre claims seemed to trouble others at the network, and given the outcome of the defamation suit, with good reason. — Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 3 Sep. 2026
Noun
The Celebration tour — on Tuesday in a bizarre, NSFW video featuring a dinner-party game of truth or dare with guests Amy Schumer, Jack Black and Lil Wayne, among others. — Los Angeles Times, 17 Jan. 2023 Get goofy with it and live out your bizarre, T-Rex fueled fantasies with this hilarious costume. — Blaine Callahan, Hartford Courant, 5 Oct. 2022 See All Example Sentences for bizarre

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

French, from Italian bizzarro

Noun

noun derivative of bizarre entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1648, in the meaning defined above

Noun

circa 1753, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bizarre was circa 1648

Rhymes for bizarre

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Browse Nearby Words

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bizarre
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Cite this Entry

“Bizarre.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bizarre. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

bizarre

adjective
bi·​zarre
bə-ˈzär
: strikingly unusual or odd : fantastic
bizarrely adverb
bizarreness noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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