1
as in bizarre
different from the ordinary in a way that causes curiosity or suspicion
an offbeat approach to the task, but it gets the job done
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in unusual
noticeably different from what is generally found or experienced
this writer has an enjoyably offbeat sense of humor
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 offbeat
Staples like button-down shirts, pencil skirts and blazers become quirky heroes through unorthodox color pairings, awkward shapes or offbeat looks, Leverton said.
—
Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 30 May 2025
Shimokitazawa, known for its bohemian vibe and second-hand shops, makes a fun and offbeat base.
—Yukari Sakamoto, AFAR Media, 27 May 2025
More to Explore Lessons in Mannerism at the Palazzo del Te
Ashley Gardini
August 13, 2024
The offbeat and unexpected Palazzo del Te, designed by Giulio Romano for Federigo II Gonzaga, Duke of Mantua, has become an icon of Mannerist architecture.
—Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 24 May 2025
Throw in offbeat sports titles, blockbuster remakes of beloved stealth-action games, and even an art-house herding game and this has all the makings of a killer 2025 mid-section.
—Lewis Gordon, Vulture, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for offbeat
Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 30 May 2025
Shimokitazawa, known for its bohemian vibe and second-hand shops, makes a fun and offbeat base.
—Yukari Sakamoto, AFAR Media, 27 May 2025
More to Explore Lessons in Mannerism at the Palazzo del Te
Ashley Gardini
August 13, 2024
The offbeat and unexpected Palazzo del Te, designed by Giulio Romano for Federigo II Gonzaga, Duke of Mantua, has become an icon of Mannerist architecture.
—Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 24 May 2025
Throw in offbeat sports titles, blockbuster remakes of beloved stealth-action games, and even an art-house herding game and this has all the makings of a killer 2025 mid-section.
—Lewis Gordon, Vulture, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for offbeat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for offbeat
Adjective
-
The bizarre blackouts are first explained with a bizarre hit-and-run that shook Larkin months earlier.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
8 June 2025
-
To some, this may sound bizarre, laughable, or even just plain sad.—
Melissa Fleur Afshar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 June 2025
Adjective
-
These however, are unusual times that call for something more.—
Anita Chabria,
Los Angeles Times,
8 June 2025
-
The head of the Democratic Party of Puerto Rico is endorsing Andrew Cuomo for mayor of New York City, marking an unusual foray into Big Apple politics for the organization, which typically only focuses on issues local to the island.—
Chris Sommerfeldt,
New York Daily News,
8 June 2025
Adjective
-
Ramsey’s memoir is a moving, sometimes funny story about destruction, change and rebirth, told by a woman tempered by fire.—
Laurie Hertzel,
Los Angeles Times,
13 June 2025
-
Roman is my kind of Virgil—chatty, funny, forgiving, sharp.—
Marina Harss,
New Yorker,
13 June 2025
Adjective
-
Disagreeing with your boss is not uncommon, but there are ways to make your criticism stick without involving others—in this case, the American public.—
Maria Gracia Santillana Linares,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
-
The idea of achieving ‘dominion’ over the world and society is not uncommon in charismatic Christian theology, according to religious scholar Matthew Taylor, who studies Christian Nationalism.—
Lauren Costantino,
Miami Herald,
6 June 2025
Adjective
-
The Dominican Republic had a moment of its own to celebrate in the 51st minute, though its first-ever Gold Cup goal came in strange circumstances.—
Jon Arnold,
New York Times,
15 June 2025
-
New York seems to be working with the impression that Kidd won't be available, but stranger things have happened before.—
Matt Levine,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 June 2025
Adjective
-
More Getty Images Adam Scott's weird practice round revealed As Scott prepares for the final showdown, a viral video has added much more interest in his golf swing.—
Devlina Sarkar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 June 2025
-
Plus there are the weird noises coming from a locked backroom upstairs.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
14 June 2025
Adjective
-
This was more like a caterpillar body with odd patterns on its plates and a snapping turtle mouth.—
Bill Desowitz,
IndieWire,
9 June 2025
-
On top of that, 1972 was the year NASDAQ was set up and 3,000 odd new companies entered the public arena.—
Shivaram Rajgopal,
Forbes.com,
8 June 2025
Adjective
-
In light of these unmissable headlines, to contemplate that the pope is a nonresident alien is a peculiar take.—
Robert Goulder,
Forbes.com,
2 June 2025
-
During pregame stretch on Saturday night in Albuquerque, Jacob Melton saw something peculiar.—
Chandler Rome,
New York Times,
2 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Offbeat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/offbeat. Accessed 20 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share