out-of-the-way 1 of 2

adjective

ˌau̇t-ə(v)-t͟hə-ˈwā How to pronounce out-of-the-way (audio)
Definition of out-of-the-waynext
1
as in bizarre
different from the ordinary in a way that causes curiosity or suspicion the night watchman calls the police if he notices any out-of-the-way activity taking place during his shift

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in unusual
noticeably different from what is generally found or experienced there was nothing out-of-the-way about the hitchhiker's appearance that might arouse suspicion

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

out of the way

2 of 2

phrase

1
as in up
brought or having come to an end Now that we've got the first step out of the way it's time to start phase two.

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in inappropriate
not appropriate for a particular occasion or situation They hoped he wouldn't say anything out of the way at the party.

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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 out-of-the-way
Adjective
The fun starts when Ben turns up soon after her pack is stolen and insists on offering her replacement gear and breakfast at his out-of-the-way campsite. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 23 Apr. 2026 The basement and the attic are great, out-of-the-way spots for luggage, holiday and seasonal decorations, wreaths, metal and plastic items, and kitchen items like pots and pans. — Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 26 May 2026 Following a traumatic incident that took place five years before the start of the series, Lee moved to out-of-the-way Deokpung Village. — Kayti Burt, Time, 29 May 2026 Such fires are a constant threat in the sawmill industry, which continuously produces fine dust that is highly flammable; fires often start inside machines or in out-of-the-way corners and can get out of control before they’re even detected. — David Prosser, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for out-of-the-way
Recent Examples of Synonyms for out-of-the-way
  1. bizarre
  2. unusual
  3. strange
  4. uncommon
  5. weird
  6. funny
  7. odd
  8. rare
Adjective
  • When this place is eventually gone — a phrase that feels truly bizarre given the environment this summer and the half-century preceding it — the lasting images will be the seas of red.
    — Sam McDowell Updated July 3, Kansas City Star, 4 July 2026
  • Continue reading … 'DEEPLY WEIRD' — CNN panel's bizarre 'read as Jewish' comment about a senator draws fierce blowback.
    — , FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
Definition of bizarre
Adjective
  • Although his adoption listing didn't mention his unusual paws, his foster mom did.
    — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026
  • Indeed, that has led to the highly unusual situation of Australia not being the defending champions in either women’s World Cup, with India holding the 50-over title and New Zealand the T20 crown.
    — Paul Newman, New York Times, 5 July 2026
Definition of unusual
Adjective
  • Others may miss the warmth of a person who can read the room, handle a strange request or help when something goes wrong.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
  • Canada coach Jesse Marsch gives strange interview after Morocco World Cup loss.
    — Alex Connor, USA Today, 5 July 2026
Definition of strange
Adjective
  • An inconclusive ballistics result is not uncommon, as the analysis depends on the size and condition of the bullet fragments recovered.
    — Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
  • This trend reflects companies' need to expand and contract rapidly, prompting landlords to prebuild and furnish spaces, a practice uncommon just five years ago.
    — Jeffrey Steele, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
Definition of uncommon
Adjective
  • As the two form a close bond, Laila discovers there's some weird business going on within the house that threatens both of them.
    — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • Confessions kicked off one of the weirdest eras in a career that has never been stingy with weirdness.
    — Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 3 July 2026
Definition of weird
Adjective
  • Watching improv is reliably funny because performers work without a script.
    — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2026
  • But figuring out how to do all that while being funny at the same time?
    — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 30 June 2026
Definition of funny
Adjective
  • The idea is to make healthy eating doable, especially for an audience with odd hours and high-stress jobs.
    — Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 July 2026
  • Put those two next to each other and the picture is odd and clarifying at once.
    — Ian Shepherd, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
Definition of odd
Adjective
  • Ireland Ireland offers a rare cross-generational appeal, where estate activities and rugged landscapes make for an ideal family itinerary.
    — Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • Thieves stole $25,000 worth of rare Pokémon cards after breaking into an Eagan, Minnesota, claw machine arcade last weekend, employees said.
    — Jason Rantala, CBS News, 1 July 2026
Definition of rare

Browse Nearby Words

out of sorts
out-of-the-way
out of the way
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Cite this Entry

“Out-of-the-way.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/out-of-the-way. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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