OUT OF THE WAY Synonyms: 267 Similar and Opposite Words

out-of-the-way 1 of 2

adjective

ˌau̇t-ə(v)-t͟hə-ˈwā

Definition of out-of-the-way

as in bizarre

different from the ordinary in a way that causes curiosity or suspicion the night watchman calls the police if he notices any out-of-the-way activity taking place during his shift

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in unusual

noticeably different from what is generally found or experienced there was nothing out-of-the-way about the hitchhiker's appearance that might arouse suspicion

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

out of the way

2 of 2

phrase

as in up

brought or having come to an end Now that we've got the first step out of the way it's time to start phase two.

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in inappropriate

not appropriate for a particular occasion or situation They hoped he wouldn't say anything out of the way at the party.

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 out-of-the-way

Adjective

Bald-faced hornet nests that are high up in trees or in an out-of-the-way place pose no danger. — Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026 Along Fence Lines and Retaining Walls Poison ivy grows best in out-of-the-way spaces that aren’t disturbed regularly. — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Aug. 2026 The real challenge became luring travelers off the main highway to their out-of-the-way, mountaintop garden. — Judith Garrison, AJC.com, 16 June 2026 Following a traumatic incident that took place five years before the start of the series, Lee moved to out-of-the-way Deokpung Village. — Kayti Burt, Time, 29 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for out-of-the-way

Recent Examples of Synonyms for out-of-the-way

Adjective

But at the center of this story is a man named Michael Organ who turns out to be a bizarre, seemingly dangerous conman.

— Terrence O'Brien, The Verge, 18 Oct. 2026
Aside from spreading fear and anxiety through the agricultural labor force — which might be the point, if the hope is many will self-deport — the surge is having some other bizarre and probably unintended consequences.

— Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of bizarre

Adjective

Six months after Vincent’s suicide, Theo died from the ravages of syphilis, leaving Jo a young widow with a baby to support, not much money, and an unusual inheritance—Vincent’s paintings—more than 400 in total.

— Joan Martelli, Time, 17 Oct. 2026
While his neighbors weren’t alarmed enough by the unusual sight to call security, Abrams wasn’t as lucky during filming at Radford Studios in Studio City.

— Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of unusual

Adjective

Although chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy is now standard treatment for advanced SCLC, long-lasting responses remain uncommon.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 15 Oct. 2026
Most theme puzzles contain sets that are visually identifiable to solvers because of either the arrangement of their entries or an uncommon clue feature like italics or brackets.

— Caitlin Lovinger, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of uncommon

Adjective

Underneath the celebrity and the tabloid headlines is someone who’s vulnerable, funny and desperately trying to hold her life together.

— Max Goldbart, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026
The book’s humor is sharp and merciless, akin to that of a standup comedy show, and yet the things described are far from funny.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of funny

Adjective

And this isn’t even to mention the especially odd idea of an acting nomination coming from a documentary, no matter how many recreations there are in it.

— Jackson Murphy, IndieWire, 15 Oct. 2026
In other cases, the warriors look unrecognizable, and more like odd scribbles.

— Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of odd

Adjective

In a recent rare interview with chum Matthew McConaughey, Bryan suggested that his songwriting-and-touring tear since leaving the Navy may be coming to a close soon.

— Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 20 Oct. 2026
But these mergers are far too rare to explain the abundance of heavier elements in the universe.

— Robin George Andrews, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of rare

Browse Nearby Words

out of sorts

out-of-the-way

out of the way

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Out-of-the-way.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/out-of-the-way. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of out-of-the-way

adjective

phrase

Example Sentences

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