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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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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of preposterous
From a First Amendment standpoint, the suit is preposterous.
—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 2 June 2025
The visual of a shower at a school dance is preposterous and singular.
—Jordan Hoffman, EW.com, 28 May 2025
Bottom line: Kamara put up preposterous numbers right out of the gate.
—Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 21 May 2025
Sears was also the big winner in the shooting drills, making a preposterous 86 of his 107 shots.
—John Hollinger, New York Times, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for preposterous
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 2 June 2025
The visual of a shower at a school dance is preposterous and singular.
—Jordan Hoffman, EW.com, 28 May 2025
Bottom line: Kamara put up preposterous numbers right out of the gate.
—Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 21 May 2025
Sears was also the big winner in the shooting drills, making a preposterous 86 of his 107 shots.
—John Hollinger, New York Times, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for preposterous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preposterous
Adjective
-
There’s the undercurrent of politics stirring animus between the neighbors, with Canadians angered by President Donald Trump’s tariffs and his absurd aside saying perhaps Canada should be the 51st U.S. state.—
Greg Cote,
Miami Herald,
5 June 2025
-
The concept itself is absurd, given the modest park features.—
The Editorial Board,
Oc Register,
4 June 2025
Adjective
-
Alas, during one night siege (silly enough to not scare the little ones, even as the entire village repeatedly goes up in flames), Hiccup aims his weapon at the shape of a Night Fury (no one, we’re told repeatedly, as ever really seen one), shoots, and … what!—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
9 June 2025
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Still, sometimes Forrest’s demands seemed nitpicky, silly even.—
Brenna Ehrlich,
Rolling Stone,
8 June 2025
Adjective
-
Friday night’s outcome came down to two ridiculous shots from distance that got past one of the best goalies in the NWSL.—
Fernando Ramirez,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
6 June 2025
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While season 3 has already dropped and delivered its fair share of ridiculous drama, fans shouldn't get too cozy because season 4 is coming in hot with even more secrets, scandals, and explosive revelations.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
6 June 2025
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
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Kent can often just look foolish onstage, sitting there idling.—
Nan Z. Da
June 10,
Literary Hub,
10 June 2025
-
To write off the Israeli leader would be foolish, especially with new elections not required until late 2026.—
Yair Rosenberg,
The Atlantic,
22 May 2025
Adjective
-
Anyone who tells you different is a liar (and pathetic, and alone in life).—
Rob Sheffield,
Rolling Stone,
30 May 2025
-
The politicized fantasy and horror films by Ryan Coogler and Jordan Peele are merely pathetic.—
Armond White,
National Review,
23 May 2025
Adjective
-
People on social media have been commenting about the idea of only one person surviving the crash, calling it unreal, remarkable, a work of divine intervention, and a miracle.—
Lisa Baumann,
Chicago Tribune,
13 June 2025
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The Antigua and Barbuda Culinary month and the energy surrounding it, is just one example of how one small place can create a powerful, reverberating experience that goes well beyond those unreal sunsets and too beautiful blue waters.—
Kristin L. Wolfe,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
Adjective
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This one is one person on the street obviously taking the soul of a protester who was stupid enough to go after some police officers.—
Armando Salguero OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
13 June 2025
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The pair will make stupid decisions, and viewers will likely wonder: would a girl like Paula really do that for a mess like Sloane?—
Lisa Kennedy,
Variety,
13 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Preposterous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preposterous. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.
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