strange

adjective

ˈstrānj How to pronounce strange (audio)
Definition of strangenext
1
as in bizarre
different from the ordinary in a way that causes curiosity or suspicion the strange smell we'd noticed turned out, unhappily, to be from the dinner our host was making

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in exotic
excitingly or mysteriously unusual strange fruits from faraway lands

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in unfamiliar
not known or experienced before using public transportation was all very strange to a rural girl like her

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4
as in unusual
noticeably different from what is generally found or experienced a rather strange story about a garden filled with poisonous plants

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strange land
surreal land
foreign land
unknown land
strange feelings
peculiar feelings
bizarre feelings
odd feelings
unusual feelings
weird feelings
strange behavior
bizarre behavior
suspicious behavior
odd behavior
unusual behavior
unexpected behavior
strange noises
unusual noises
scary noises
curious noises
peculiar noises
disturbing noises

Synonym Chooser

How is the word strange distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of strange are eccentric, erratic, odd, outlandish, peculiar, quaint, singular, and unique. While all these words mean "departing from what is ordinary, usual, or to be expected," strange stresses unfamiliarity and may apply to the foreign, the unnatural, the unaccountable.

a journey filled with strange sights

When might eccentric be a better fit than strange?

The meanings of eccentric and strange largely overlap; however, eccentric suggests a wide divergence from the usual or normal especially in behavior.

the eccentric eating habits of preschoolers

When could erratic be used to replace strange?

The words erratic and strange can be used in similar contexts, but erratic stresses a capricious and unpredictable wandering or deviating.

a friend's suddenly erratic behavior

In what contexts can odd take the place of strange?

Although the words odd and strange have much in common, odd applies to a departure from the regular or expected.

an odd sense of humor

When is it sensible to use outlandish instead of strange?

While in some cases nearly identical to strange, outlandish applies to what is uncouth, bizarre, or barbaric.

outlandish fashions of the time

When would peculiar be a good substitute for strange?

The synonyms peculiar and strange are sometimes interchangeable, but peculiar implies a marked distinctiveness.

the peculiar status of America's first lady

When is quaint a more appropriate choice than strange?

In some situations, the words quaint and strange are roughly equivalent. However, quaint suggests an old-fashioned but pleasant oddness.

a quaint fishing village

Where would singular be a reasonable alternative to strange?

While the synonyms singular and strange are close in meaning, singular suggests individuality or puzzling strangeness.

a singular feeling of impending disaster

When can unique be used instead of strange?

The words unique and strange are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 strange Fleury has had a strange relationship with Team Canada over the years. —Josh Yohe, New York Times, 21 May 2025 This week, Kieran explores the strange world of music made by artists hijacking the Instagram Reels algorithm. —Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 21 May 2025 Indeed, there’s a kind of unexpected, strange joy because of it – an enlightenment in becoming bonded to another species that enables us to see all forms of life differently. —Jody Mamone, Hartford Courant, 20 May 2025 The series existed in a strange plane that welcomed all quirks (and Kirks, including Cat Kirk), and in a way, that’s the most nurturing environment of all for teens. —Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 20 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for strange
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strange
  1. bizarre
  2. exotic
  3. unfamiliar
  4. unusual
  5. weird
  6. romantic
  7. novel
  8. uncommon
Adjective
  • Joining me is my Staten Island brother, Pete Davidson, who unveils a darker, dramatic side as his character navigates a bizarre group of residents in an old age home.
    — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 29 May 2025
  • Part of that stems from fewer bizarre storytelling choices (good!), and part of it is a byproduct of an overly cautious attitude toward character development (bad).
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 28 May 2025
Definition of bizarre
Adjective
  • Invasive Burmese pythons ended up in Florida wilderness via the exotic pet trade of the 1970s and ’80s.
    — Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 19 May 2025
  • These animals are often exploited through the exotic pet trade, kept in unsafe, inhumane conditions that threaten both their welfare and public safety.
    — Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 May 2025
Definition of exotic
Adjective
  • This is often unfamiliar territory for professionals from traditional wealth backgrounds.
    — Francois Botha, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
  • Nearly all the faces here are unfamiliar — and every one is entirely persuasive.
    — Peter Debruge, Variety, 23 May 2025
Definition of unfamiliar
Adjective
  • But the boys also casually tell stories about the deprivations of their previous life, a reminder of how unusual their childhoods have been by American standards.
    — Sacha Pfeiffer, NPR, 27 May 2025
  • While the timing off the surgery was a bit unusual, Tremble’s importance to the lineup — and the quick turnaround for rehabilitation — made the decision palatable to the organization.
    — Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 27 May 2025
Definition of unusual
Adjective
  • Just a weird observation about the oscillator that is worth pointing out.
    — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 21 May 2025
  • His monsters are inventive and weird — and almost endlessly memeable.
    — Sam Thielman, New York Times, 21 May 2025
Definition of weird
Adjective
  • This lusty trine activates your exotic ninth house and flirtatious fifth house, bringing romantic storylines, creative breakthroughs and a little adventure that spices things up in more ways than one.
    — Valerie Mesa, People.com, 22 May 2025
  • Saturday, June 14 Remembering Love Jones Presented by Walmart Synopsis: Join us for a rare and intimate conversation with Nia Long and Larenz Tate celebrating the legacy of Love Jones (1997), the iconic romantic drama written and directed by Theodore Witcher.
    — DeMicia Inman, VIBE.com, 22 May 2025
Definition of romantic
Adjective
  • Which is a very novel concept, because most things are incubated in the States or maybe overseas in the U.K.
    — H. Alan Scott, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 May 2025
  • But in a novel move, prosecutors alleged, Hall, tried to use the Trump administration’s attempts to increase deportations to secure a free flight home to the United Kingdom in order avoid standing trial on serious charges.
    — Madeline Buckley, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2025
Definition of novel
Adjective
  • Acqui-hires are not uncommon in a competitive tech hiring environment.
    — Geri Stengel, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
  • This is why Daigneault refers to the Thunder as an uncommon group.
    — Tony Jones, New York Times, 29 May 2025
Definition of uncommon

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strange
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Cite this Entry

“Strange.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strange. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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