preposterous

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'preposterous' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe something or an idea that is absurd or silly. Example sentence: His claim that he invented the internet was preposterous.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

An Orange Order spokesman said: "This preposterous decision by the Parades Commission only underlines the increasing perception that its determinations are dictated by the threat of physical force opposition to our parades.

The Guardian

Whitechapel, he considered, had been much belied, and many of his fellow countrymen had come away from it with preposterous stories of murder and misery.

The Guardian - Books

48 min: Polanski is booked for a preposterous challenge on Pilar.

The Guardian - Sport

And the UK government has used every manner of evasion – including trying out the preposterous argument that because the term genocide was adopted by the UN in 1948, it couldn't be applied retrospectively.

The Guardian - Opinion

Michael Keaton is a washed-up movie star trying to reinvent himself as a serious actor on Broadway, but plagued with hallucinatory visions of "Birdman" – the preposterous superhero he once played.

The Guardian - Film

One of the biggest reasons for the surge in people prepared to pay preposterous amounts to smugglers for the uncertain prospect of reaching safety in Italy is that land routes into Europe are virtually closed.

The Guardian - Opinion

The demon has invaded you... "It sometimes happens that people completely unsuited for word-play will improvise an endless string of puns and wholly improbable idea relationships fit to outdo the ablest masters of this preposterous craft.

The Guardian - Books

A few days later, Gove talked to the FT about the "ridiculous" concentration of old boys from just one school, comparing Eton's "preposterous" contemporary grip at the Tories to Lord Salisbury's nepotistic hold a century before.

The Guardian

Bonucci did not seem quite so tough when executing one of the most preposterous tumbles you will ever see during his team's game at Palermo.

The Guardian - Sport

Sven-Goran Eriksson became a preposterous playboy, linked with such increasingly outré schemes that it always comes as something of a start to remember he once made IFK Gothenburg one of the leading forces in Europe.

The Guardian - Sport

To get knotted up about spoiling the end of any television series is simply a preposterous waste of anyone's energy.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "preposterous" to express strong disagreement or disbelief, emphasizing the absurdity of a statement or idea.

Common error

Avoid using "preposterous" in contexts that require a neutral or objective tone. It's a strong word, so use it when you want to express a clear opinion about something that seems blatantly absurd. In more balanced discussions, opt for alternatives like "questionable" or "unlikely".

Linguistic Context

The adjective "preposterous" primarily functions to express strong disbelief or rejection of an idea, statement, or action due to its perceived absurdity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to label something as completely contrary to reason or common sense.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Formal & Business

29%

Science

28%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "preposterous" is a powerful way to express disbelief or strong disagreement, signifying something utterly absurd or contrary to reason. Ludwig AI affirms its correct and usable status in English writing. Frequently encountered in news and media contexts, and also used in formal and business communications, "preposterous" conveys a clear opinion on illogical matters. When employing the term, ensure it aligns with the context's formality; avoid overusing it in neutral scenarios. As Ludwig's examples demonstrate, it effectively dismisses arguments or claims deemed completely flawed. Be mindful of its forceful nature and aim for alternatives such as "absurd" or "ridiculous" when a milder tone is appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

absurd

Focuses more on the quality of being ridiculous or unreasonable.

ridiculous

Highlights the laughable or silly nature of something.

ludicrous

Emphasizes the comical or farcical aspect.

nonsensical

Stresses the lack of sense or coherence.

foolish

Suggests a lack of wisdom or judgment.

outrageous

Implies something is shocking and unacceptable.

unthinkable

Suggests something is beyond consideration or belief.

inconceivable

Highlights the impossibility of imagining or grasping something.

far-fetched

Indicates something is unlikely or improbable.

implausible

Suggests something is not believable or credible.

FAQs

How to use "preposterous" in a sentence?

Use "preposterous" to describe something utterly absurd or ridiculous. For example, "His claim that he could fly was preposterous".

What can I say instead of "preposterous"?

You can use alternatives like "absurd", "ridiculous", or "ludicrous" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "preposterous" or "posterous"?

"Preposterous" is the correct term. "Posterous" is an outdated blogging platform, not a synonym.

What's the difference between "preposterous" and "unlikely"?

"Preposterous" implies something is absurd and ridiculous, while "unlikely" suggests something is improbable but not necessarily absurd. "Preposterous" is stronger in tone.