Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Strikingly or extremely unconventional, unusual, or bizarre: "Outlandish" describes something that is conspicuously strange, foreign, or different from what is ordinary or expected, often to a startling or extreme degree.

Usage

The word "outlandish" is used to describe ideas, behavior, clothing, or designs that are so unusual they seem to come from a foreign or unfamiliar place. It often carries a connotation of being not just different, but also perhaps extravagant, eccentric, or even absurd. It is typically used in a descriptive, and sometimes critical, manner.

Examples

• Adjective:
  • The artist was known for his outlandish sculptures made from recycled electronics.
  • She told an outlandish story about being abducted by aliens that no one believed.
  • Wearing an outlandish costume, he turned every head at the party.

Advanced Usage

• "outlandish claim/idea/theory": An assertion or concept that is wildly improbable or bizarre.
  • The politician's outlandish claim was quickly debunked by fact-checkers.
• "outlandish behavior": Conduct that is extremely eccentric or socially unacceptable.
  • His outlandish behavior at the formal dinner shocked the other guests.

Variants and Related Words

• Outlandishly (adverb): In an outlandish manner.
  • The mansion was outlandishly decorated with gold and neon lights.
• Outlandishness (noun): The quality of being outlandish.
  • The outlandishness of her fashion sense made her a trendsetter.

Synonyms

• Bizarre: Very strange or unusual, especially in a striking or shocking way.
• Eccentric: Unconventional and slightly strange, particularly in behavior or appearance.
• Grotesque: Comically or repulsively ugly or distorted, often bizarre.
• Preposterous: Contrary to reason or common sense; utterly absurd or ridiculous.

Antonyms

• Conventional: Based on or in accordance with what is generally done or believed; ordinary.
• Normal: Conforming to a standard; usual, typical, or expected.
• Ordinary: With no special or distinctive features; normal.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "Beyond the pale": Unacceptable or outside the bounds of acceptable behavior (shares a connotation of being extreme or shocking, similar to "outlandish").
  • His comments were so offensive they were considered beyond the pale.
• "Out of this world": Extraordinarily good or impressive (while usually positive, it shares the sense of being extremely unusual or not of this world, akin to "outlandish").
  • The special effects in the movie were out of this world.

Adjective

1. conspicuously or grossly unconventional or unusual
   • restaurants of bizarre design--one like a hat, another like a rabbit
   • famed for his eccentric spelling
   • a freakish combination of styles
   • his off-the-wall antics
   • the outlandish clothes of teenagers
   • outre and affected stage antics