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"Unusual" vs. "bizarre": comparing words that stand out

Reviewed and edited by

Lloyd Cooper 29/09/2024, 17:59

English.me team member

Unusual and bizarre. What's the difference?

What is similar?

Both "unusual" and "bizarre" describe something that is not ordinary or is out of the norm.

What is different?

"Unusual" suggests something rare or uncommon without extreme connotations, while "bizarre" implies something very strange or fantastically odd.

Which one is more common?

Internet search results for unusual) and bizarre

Examples of usage

Unusual

She wore an unusual hat to the party.
It's unusual to see snow in April here.
The painting has an unusual combination of colors.

Bizarre

The movie had a bizarre plot that left everyone confused.
He told a bizarre story about aliens.
Her outfit was bizarre but surprisingly fashionable.

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