Definitions

preposterous

[pri-pos-ter-uhs, -truhs] / prɪˈpɒs tər əs, -trəs /

ADJECTIVE

ridiculous, bizarre

Synonyms

STRONGEST

absurd crazy excessive fantastic foolish impossible incredible insane irrational laughable ludicrous nonsensical outrageous senseless shocking silly stupid unbelievable unreasonable unthinkable

WEAK

asinine exorbitant extravagant extreme far-out harebrained monstrous out of the question taking the cake thick too much unusual wacky wild

Antonyms

STRONGEST

bad balanced believable credible good intelligent logical plain plausible poor possible practical rational realistic reasonable responsible sane sensible serious smart sound tenable wise

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It’s preposterous to think that, even with the best of intentions on both sides, a peace as complicated as this could have been settled in one day.

From Slate • Apr. 13, 2026

But he has begun the season with his most preposterous goal yet: MLB’s best hitter also wants to be recognized as MLB’s best pitcher.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 11, 2026

Watch as the fluid camerawork makes her kills look nastier, and the preposterous script allows her to outwit her foes, even with the cards stacked against her at every turn.

From Salon • Mar. 29, 2026

Written by Matthew Parkhill, with Guy Ritchie — who directed Robert Downey Jr. in two steroidal Holmes films — helming some episodes, it’s pulpy and nutty and preposterous, mostly in a good way.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 3, 2026

“No,” he said robustly, as if dismissing a preposterous and possibly slanderous allegation.

From "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson

Vocabulary lists containing preposterous

Holes

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"The Hunger Games" Vocabulary from Chapter 1

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100 SAT words Beginning with "P"

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