screwballs

noun

plural of screwball
as in eccentrics
a person of odd or whimsical habits a screwball who liked to save lint and bits of string

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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 screwballs Ultron is the Oscar to Vision’s Felix, and their odd-couple bickering is the one truly pleasurable aspect of VisionQuest — Spader can do this kind of side-of-the-mouth snark in his sleep, and Bettany solidly lobs back the screwballs he gets served. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 12 Oct. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for screwballs
  1. eccentrics
  2. nuts
Noun
  • No documentarian has a better eye for intriguing oddballs than Errol Morris, who built his feature film career on drawing them out in conversation, from pet-cemetery owners in Gates of Heaven to small-town eccentrics in Vernon, Florida.
    — Judy Berman, Time, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Dippold has populated the show with lovable eccentrics played by great character actors—Dale Dickey, Jeff Hiller, Tim Baltz.
    — Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 18 June 2026
Definition of eccentrics
Noun
  • Tucker recommends foods like extra virgin olive oil, fatty fish like salmon, nuts and seeds — all staples of both diets, which also encourage eating whole grains, chicken, and plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables.
    — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 14 Oct. 2026
  • If your kidneys are healthy, eating magnesium-rich foods like nuts, seeds, beans, whole grains, and leafy vegetables is unlikely to cause toxicity.
    — MD Published, Verywell Health, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of nuts

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screwball
screwballs
screwed
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Cite this Entry

“Screwballs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/screwballs. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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