preposterous

adjective

pri-ˈpä-st(ə-)rəs How to pronounce preposterous (audio)
Definition of preposterousnext
1
as in absurd
conceived or made without regard for reason or reality the idea that extraterrestrials built the pyramids is preposterous

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in silly
showing or marked by a lack of good sense or judgment a preposterous suggestion to go swimming in this freezing weather

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in ridiculous
so foolish or pointless as to be worthy of scornful laughter the movie thriller had such a preposterous plot that we were on the edge of our seats snickering

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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 preposterous Nothing has swirled more than appreciation — a sentiment Royals fans reciprocated on Tuesday night at Kauffman Stadium with a pre-game ceremony in Perez’s honor for the record-breaker that once would have seemed preposterous. — Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 4 Aug. 2026 Serious horology aficionados are used to waiting—even if lead times for coveted watches have become preposterous. — Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 26 July 2026 Hutson’s early arrival as a franchise defenseman means that a deal that seemed preposterous before the ink dried has now transcended even that. — Dom Luszczyszyn, New York Times, 22 July 2026 Their Victorian house looks preposterous in this dusty hamlet. — Judy Berman, Time, 9 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for preposterous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preposterous
  1. absurd
  2. silly
  3. ridiculous
  4. bizarre
  5. foolish
  6. pathetic
  7. unreal
  8. stupid
Adjective
  • The roster might as well be an All-Star team, and this pitching staff is absurd.
    — David Troy OutKick, FOXNews.com, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The very idea of a trade war with Canada — our neighbor, our ally, our closest friend, a nation that’s peaceful and whose people have a reputation for kindness — is absurd.
    — Robert B. Reich, Hartford Courant, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of absurd
Adjective
  • Of course, challenges immediately present themselves, the silliest of which belongs to Samir and Paul Baker.
    — Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
  • In practice, a black-and-white hunk of metal sprinting into a wall looks silly.
    — Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of silly
Adjective
  • Some are quieter this year, some are almost ridiculous, but all of them share a strange sense of purpose.
    — Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Fashion history has a funny way of vindicating the people brave enough to look ridiculous.
    — Derek C. Blasberg, Vanity Fair, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of ridiculous
Adjective
  • The idea that these two would have a five-minute-or-less breakup conversation, then plop down on the couch and happily embark on an acid trip together, strains credulity a little, even for this bizarre, codependent friend group.
    — Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Twenty-eight million views on YouTube certified the bizarre piece as a fan favorite.
    — Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of bizarre
Adjective
  • When his splitter is at its best, Cruz makes opposing hitters look foolish.
    — Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • But Americans would be foolish to think that Washington is anywhere near solving this problem.
    — Doug Beck, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of foolish
Adjective
  • The outfield production continues to be a concern, and the overall offensive production is pathetic.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Barkley got a pathetic 34% of team rushing attempts inside the 5-yard line (37th among RBs).
    — Michael Salfino, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of pathetic
Adjective
  • Similarly, for the protagonist of Conrad’s story, Captain Whalley, the true life is the life of ships, and changes of fates onshore seem only laterally relevant, near unreal.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Continue reading … DEFYING GRAVITY — MLB outfielder goes full Spider-Man, makes baseball's catch of the year with unreal grab.
    — , FOXNews.com, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of unreal
Adjective
  • Far too much coverage of declining trust in science — particularly the anti-vaccine movement — is predicated on the assumption that its adherents are either stupid or crazy.
    — Rick Berke, STAT, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The Dodge Durango Hellcat is the most accessible way to go stupid-fast in a three-row family car thanks to the Escalade V‘s high price tag.
    — Byron Hurd, The Drive, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of stupid

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prepossessions
preposterous
preposterousness
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Cite this Entry

“Preposterous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preposterous. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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