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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of preposterous
The highlight is a flotilla of teens on boats tied together like a seafood smorgasbord, but the preposterous sight of a great white eating a hovering rescue helicopter has a certain je ne sais quoi.
—
Chris Nashawaty, EW.com, 20 June 2025
Indeed, the support for Iran from Lula and much of Latin America’s old-guard left is preposterous.
—Andres Oppenheimer, Miami Herald, 20 June 2025
During his more-than-four-hour closing argument, the attorney dismissed claims that Combs Global (née Combs Enterprises) is a racketeering enterprise, saying the idea is preposterous.
—Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 27 June 2025
The plot is preposterous; Pitt is an old driver who hasn’t raced F1 in 30 years, but he is lured across the pond midseason by a long time friend, team owner Javier Bardem.
—Mac Engel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for preposterous
Chris Nashawaty, EW.com, 20 June 2025
Indeed, the support for Iran from Lula and much of Latin America’s old-guard left is preposterous.
—Andres Oppenheimer, Miami Herald, 20 June 2025
During his more-than-four-hour closing argument, the attorney dismissed claims that Combs Global (née Combs Enterprises) is a racketeering enterprise, saying the idea is preposterous.
—Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 27 June 2025
The plot is preposterous; Pitt is an old driver who hasn’t raced F1 in 30 years, but he is lured across the pond midseason by a long time friend, team owner Javier Bardem.
—Mac Engel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for preposterous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preposterous
Adjective
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From the vantage point of 2025, this appears as absurd as suggesting that women’s soccer matches should be 70 minutes instead of 90, the same as in the men’s game.—
Charlie Eccleshare,
New York Times,
12 July 2025
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The French super powerhouse has taken teams part since winning the UEFA Champions League crown on May 24, outscoring its foes by an absurd 21-1 margin.—
Michael Lewis,
Forbes.com,
12 July 2025
Adjective
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There were no costumes, no silly dances or hit parodies.—
Courtney Devores,
Charlotte Observer,
28 July 2025
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That may sound silly to some, Foster said, but the work done by the Environmental Protection Agency in placing bands on birds and following the migration of bees informs officials about the impact of projects on the environment.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
27 July 2025
Adjective
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Thomas, Scheffler, DeChambeau, McIlroy and Koepka are seen throughout the movie, participating in Gilmore’s ridiculous training sessions and eventually battling an antagonistic group of golfers from the fictional Maxi professional golf league.—
Stephanie Stremplewski,
Louisville Courier Journal,
26 July 2025
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These bizarre allegations are ridiculous and a weak attempt at distraction.—
Domenico Montanaro,
NPR,
25 July 2025
Adjective
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Sony and Microsoft and the PC world can keep playing the cutting-edge hardware competition while Nintendo luxuriates in its bizarre boutique silo, unbothered, moisturized, in its lane, consistently content with winning its own solo race.—
Mitch Wallace,
Forbes.com,
28 July 2025
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The pair then embark on a harrowing adventure, with Luke slowly turning into the most bizarre father figure ever.—
Elliott Smith,
EW.com,
26 July 2025
Adjective
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Controllable pitching is hard to come by in the big leagues, and the Pirates would be foolish to trade him away after signing him to a big contract.—
Zach Pressnell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 July 2025
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Any in-depth evaluation would be foolish until Monday, when players don pads and the pass rush speeds McCarthy up even further.—
Alec Lewis,
New York Times,
28 July 2025
Adjective
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Phoenix assumes a pathetic and quietly arrogant demeanor as Joe, who speaks in a squeaky, exasperated cadence.—
Madison Bloom,
Pitchfork,
17 July 2025
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Enter Flores, who was hired shortly after that pathetic performance.—
Steve Silverman,
Forbes.com,
11 July 2025
Adjective
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Richardson was the 4th overall pick in the NFL Draft, which should give him another opportunity to start over Daniel Jones and also showcase his unreal upside.—
Steve Bradshaw,
Forbes.com,
29 July 2025
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Victoria Falls is such an incredibly special and beautiful place, so to be so completely surrounded by and immersed in the falls was unreal.—
Soo Kim,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 July 2025
Adjective
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Mia promises not to ask for help or do anything stupid.—
Nick Caruso,
TVLine,
1 Aug. 2025
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If the producers manage to create another roof moment, Torin and his stupid little hats are cooked.—
Olivia Crandall,
Vulture,
1 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Preposterous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preposterous. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.
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