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When searching for the perfect word to describe something that seems unusual or unfamiliar, “strange” may come to mind first. However, there are many other synonyms for “strange” that can be used to add depth and nuance to your writing. In this article, you will discover a variety of words that can be used in place of “strange” to help you better convey your intended meaning.
Strange Synonyms
What Is “Strange?”
Strange is an adjective used to describe something that is unusual or unfamiliar. It can also be used to describe something that is odd, peculiar, or unexpected. Strange can be used to describe a wide range of things, from people and places to situations and events.
For example:
- It was strange to see such a large crowd gathered in the middle of the night.
- The strange noise coming from the attic made me uneasy.
- Her strange behavior at the party raised some eyebrows.
- It’s strange how the weather can change so dramatically in a matter of minutes.
- The old abandoned house had a strange, eerie atmosphere.
List of Synonyms for Strange
- Aberrant
- Abnormal
- Anomalous
- Astonishing
- Atypical
- Baffling
- Cranky
- Creepy
- Curious
- Deviant
- Different
- Dubious
- Eccentric
- Exceptional
- Exotic
- Extraordinary
- Fantastic
- Fishy
- Freak
- Freakish
- Freaky
- Inexplicable
- Irregular
- Kinky
- Kooky
- Left-field (informal)
- Like nothing on earth
- Mysterious
- Mystifying
- New
- Novel
- Odd
- Oddball
- Offbeat
- Off-center
- Off-the-wall (slang)
- Out of the ordinary
- Out of the way
- Out there (slang)
- Outlandish
- Out-of-the-way
- Peculiar
- Perplexing
- Puzzling
- Quaint
- Queer
- Questionable
- Quirky
- Rare
- Remarkable
- Screwy
- Suspicious
- Unaccountable
- Uncanny
- Uncommon
- Unconventional
- Unexpected
- Unexplored
- Unfamiliar
- Unheard-of
- Unknown
- Unnatural
- Untried
- Untypical
- Unusual
- Wacko
- Wacky
- Way out
- Weird
Types of Synonyms for Strange
Synonyms for strange can be broken down into different categories based on their meaning. Here are a few types of synonyms for strange:
Unusual or Unfamiliar
- Unusual
- Uncommon
- Peculiar
- Odd
- Strange
- Weird
Unexpected or Surprising
- Surprising
- Astonishing
- Amazing
- Astounding
- Startling
Different or Unique
- Distinctive
- Individual
- Singular
- Idiosyncratic
- Quirky
Common Synonyms for Strange
Strange vs. Weird
While “strange” and “weird” are often used interchangeably, there are some subtle differences between the two words. “Strange” typically refers to something that is unusual or unfamiliar, while “weird” can also imply that something is eerie or supernatural.
- The strange old man lived in a house filled with unusual artifacts
- The weird noises coming from the old house gave it an eerie atmosphere.
Strange vs. Odd
“Strange” and “odd” are two words that are often used to describe things that are out of the ordinary. However, “odd” can also imply that something is quirky or peculiar, while “strange” is more neutral in tone.
- The painting had a strange quality that made it difficult to look away.
- Her odd behavior at the party raised some eyebrows.
Strange vs. Foreign
“Foreign” is another word that can be used as a synonym for “strange,” but it typically implies that something is unfamiliar because it comes from another country or culture.
- The old house had a strange aura about it, as if it held secrets from another time.
- The foreign customs and traditions seemed strange to the visitors.
Strange vs. Unusual
“Strange” often implies an element of mystery or unfamiliarity, while “unusual” simply suggests something that is not commonly encountered.
- The old book had a strange symbol on its cover, sparking curiosity in the readers.
- The unusual weather patterns have caused concern among the locals.
Synonyms for Strange in Different Contexts
In Everyday Conversation
- Odd: That’s a bit odd, don’t you think?
- Weird: That’s a really weird coincidence.
- Off: That’s a little bit off if you ask me.
In Creative Writing
- Eerie: The eerie mist hung low over the graveyard.
- Bizarre: The bizarre creature slithered out of the shadows.
- Uncanny: The uncanny feeling of being watched made her skin crawl.
In Scientific or Technical Writing
- Anomalous: The anomalous data points suggest that there may be a flaw in our experimental design.
- Unusual: The unusual behavior of this chemical compound requires further investigation.
- Atypical: The atypical morphology of this specimen indicates that it may be a new species.
In Idiomatic Expressions
Common Idioms Using ‘Strange’:
- Off the wall: Your ideas might be called “off the wall” if they’re highly unusual or unconventional.
- Out of the way: If you go “out of the way,” you’re engaging in something not commonly done or out of the ordinary.
- Few and far between: Experiences or occurrences that are “few and far between” are rare and not encountered often.
- Mad as a hatter: This phrase suggests that someone is behaving in a wildly foolish or unpredictable manner.
- Out to lunch: Being “out to lunch” can imply that someone is not paying attention or is out of touch with reality.
Less Common Idioms Using ‘Strange’:
- Odd duck: Describes a person who is unusual or behaves in a quirky manner.
- Strange bedfellows: This expression refers to an unusual or unexpected partnership or alliance.
- A fish out of water: When you feel out of place or uncomfortable in a particular setting, you are like “a fish out of water”.
Absolute and Near Synonyms of Strange
Absolute Synonyms for Strange
| Synonym | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Unusual | Not common or familiar |
| Peculiar | Odd or unusual |
| Odd | Different from what is normal or expected |
Near Synonyms for Strange
| Synonyms | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Bizarre | Very unusual or odd in a striking way |
| Eccentric | Unconventional or peculiar in behavior |
| Quirky | Characterized by peculiar or unexpected traits |
| Unconventional | Not based on or conforming to what is generally done or believed |
| Curious | Eager to learn or know something |
| Abnormal | Deviating from what is normal or usual |
| Outlandish | Strikingly out of the ordinary or bizarre |
| Peculiar | Distinctive or unique, often in a strange way |
| Weird | Suggesting something supernatural or inexplicable |
| Mysterious | Difficult to understand or explain |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some synonyms for “strange”?
Some synonyms for “strange” include bizarre, eccentric, quirky, unconventional, curious, abnormal, outlandish, peculiar, weird, and mysterious.
How do you use “bizarre” in a sentence?
You can use “bizarre” in a sentence like this: “The painting had a bizarre, otherworldly quality that captivated everyone who saw it.”
What is the difference between “eccentric” and “strange”?
“Eccentric” suggests a deviation from the norm due to unconventional behavior or thinking, while “strange” often implies an element of mystery or unfamiliarity.
Can you provide an example of using “quirky” in a sentence?
Certainly! “Her quirky sense of humor always brought a smile to people’s faces.”
When is it appropriate to use the word “outlandish”?
“Outlandish” is suitable when describing something that is strikingly out of the ordinary or bizarre, such as “The outlandish costume turned heads at the party.”
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