off-the-wall

adjective

ˈȯf-ṯẖə-ˈwȯl How to pronounce off-the-wall (audio)
Definition of off-the-wallnext
as in bizarre
different from the ordinary in a way that causes curiosity or suspicion she does have some off-the-wall suggestions about home decorating

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 off-the-wall Follow Joe for ongoing features about ecotourism as well as off-the-wall travel destinations around the globe. — Joe Sills, Forbes.com, 4 May 2026 What’s your favorite off-the-wall rendition of a birthday anthem? — O. Rose Broderick, STAT, 24 Apr. 2026 This was not a year for major turmoil in March or crazy off-the-wall selections by the committee. — Tim Cowlishaw, Dallas Morning News, 15 Mar. 2026 That is just off-the-wall, to see a frozen lake and then a tornado ripping the ice up. — Keith Matheny, Freep.com, 10 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for off-the-wall
Recent Examples of Synonyms for off-the-wall
  1. bizarre
  2. funny
  3. strange
  4. weird
  5. odd
  6. peculiar
  7. curious
  8. erratic
Adjective
  • Whatever ends up coming for Alpha, with their TV fragmented into a billion tiny screens, it’s bound to be bizarre.
    — Sasha Geffen, Pitchfork, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Former Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Harrison Bader's San Francisco Giants season has ended prematurely due to a bizarre scooter accident.
    — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of bizarre
Adjective
  • Bitingly funny in its comedy and wistful in its drama, the film rests on the delicate performance of newcomer Verma, a diminutive, age-appropriate actor who molds Ilyas in captivating ways.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 5 Aug. 2026
  • There are also funny cameos from Pete Davidson and Bobby Cannavale, both used well.
    — Randy Myers, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of funny
Adjective
  • That strange sense of incompletion hung over the Detroit Tigers’ clubhouse Saturday night.
    — Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Having collaborated with his parents since the late 1980s, Berenstain was no stranger to furthering the family legacy.
    — Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of strange
Adjective
  • Chip Honcho seems unlikely to be enormously loved by the track money, but weirder things have happened.
    — Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
  • This is a problem with anything that gets into that weird private equity, conglomerate zone.
    — Walden Green, Pitchfork, 30 July 2026
Definition of weird
Adjective
  • Couples from Copenhagen enjoying a sunny weekend away, as well as the odd tourist.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Aug. 2026
  • When the leagues decided to increase inter-league play, Houston moved because the odd-team out problem was no longer valid.
    — Chuck Murr, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of odd
Adjective
  • But the story neatly captures the peculiar limbo of Housewifery — edging ever closer to fame and acceptance, but always one velvet rope short of both.
    — Maer Roshan, HollywoodReporter, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The theater’s peculiar sense of humor has raised eyebrows in the past.
    — Andrew Lapin, Sun Sentinel, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of peculiar
Adjective
  • The best hobbies are the ones that keep you curious, connected, creative, and moving long before retirement.
    — Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 30 July 2026
  • One curious thing Pragiwaksono has had to adjust to is the two-drink minimum.
    — Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 30 July 2026
Definition of curious
Adjective
  • Winds of that strength start to present a greater risk of erratic wildfire behavior and spread.
    — Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026
  • During the first 10 minutes of the workout, its heart rate readings seemed a bit erratic but normalized afterward.
    — Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of erratic

Browse Nearby Words

off-the-shelf
off-the-wall
of late
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Off-the-wall.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/off-the-wall. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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