bizarre

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bizarre" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is very strange or unusual, often in a way that is unsettling or hard to understand. Example: "The artist's latest work was so bizarre that it left the audience questioning its meaning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Sport

Film

Music

Arts

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was so bizarre.

The New York Times

Our most bizarre discovery, however, was left until last.

The Guardian - Travel

It's not his only foray into the bizarre.

The Guardian - Books

Way to freakin' go!' For all their bizarre and narrow-minded opinions, at least these people have fire in their bellies.

The Guardian - Film

If you've been feeling guilty that you haven't done your bit for breast cancer by getting in on the bizarre #HoldACanOfCokeBetweenYourBoobs campaign, then don't.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

John Fund, a commentator for the conservative magazine National Review, described the speech as "meandering and often bizarre", and said that Palin "clearly lacks the discipline for a full-fledged campaign".

The Guardian

While the facts are certainly bizarre, this case raises important and unique issues about how workplace privacy can relate to discrimination.

The Guardian - Opinion

A bizarre own-goal by the Hearts captain, Danny Wilson, set Killie on their way and two goals by Kris Boyd after Dale Carrick had levelled for the struggling visitors seemed to put the home side out of sight.

The Guardian - Sport

"Since then," says Loftus, "I and many others have planted bizarre memories of accidents: animal attacks, nearly drowning, witnessing demonic possession.

The Guardian

There's also the issue of Armstrong's increasingly bizarre public stance on his years of lying, cheating and bullying.

The Guardian - Music

The older I get the more bizarre religion seems to me.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context when using "bizarre"; while it's widely understood, ensure it aligns with the formality of your writing. In formal contexts, you may wish to opt for a synonym such as "peculiar" or "anomalous".

Common error

Avoid using "bizarre" excessively in formal or academic writing. While acceptable, overuse can diminish the impact of your descriptions. Instead, consider synonyms such as "unconventional" or "anomalous" for a more nuanced and professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "bizarre" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe something strikingly out of the ordinary or unconventional, as seen in Ludwig's examples like "a bizarre own-goal" or "bizarre public stance."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Lifestyle

10%

Sport

5%

Less common in

Film

2%

Music

1%

Arts

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Bizarre" is a commonly used adjective to describe something strikingly unconventional or out of the ordinary. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct and versatile enough for various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, it is also used in lifestyle and sports writing. When opting for alternatives, consider terms like "strange" or "peculiar" to maintain a similar tone, but avoid overuse in very formal academic contexts to ensure your writing retains clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strange

A general term for something unusual or unexpected. Lacks specificity compared to "bizarre".

weird

Informal term for something strange or unusual. Commonly used in casual conversation.

odd

Similar to strange, but often implies something slightly amusing or quirky. Less intense than "bizarre".

peculiar

Indicates something strange or odd, often in a way that is interesting or curious. Highlights the oddity.

outlandish

Strikingly unconventional or bizarre. Emphasizes the strangeness to an extreme.

unconventional

Deviates from the norm or usual customs. Focuses on the lack of conformity.

freakish

Unusual or strange and causing shock or fear. Implies a negative or disturbing quality.

eccentric

Describes something or someone with unusual or strange behavior. Highlights individuality.

anomalous

Deviating from what is standard, normal, or expected. More formal and scientific.

unnatural

Suggests something is not in accordance with nature or what is expected. Implies a deviation from natural order.

FAQs

How can I use "bizarre" in a sentence?

You can use "bizarre" to describe something that is strikingly out of the ordinary or unconventional. For example, "The artist's installation was so "unconventional" that it was described as "bizarre" by many critics."

What can I say instead of "bizarre"?

Alternatives to "bizarre" include "strange", "peculiar", "odd", or "unconventional", depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "bizarre" a formal or informal word?

"Bizarre" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's often perceived as slightly more informal than alternatives like "anomalous" or "eccentric". Choose the word that best suits the tone of your writing.

What is the difference between "bizarre" and "weird"?

While both "bizarre" and "weird" describe something unusual, "bizarre" often implies a greater degree of strangeness or oddity. "Weird" can sometimes simply mean unusual, whereas "bizarre" often carries a sense of being unsettling or hard to understand.