"Preposterous" Synonyms

Core Synonyms (Emphasis on absurdity):

• Absurd: This is a very common and versatile synonym.
• Ridiculous: Similar to absurd, but often implies a greater degree of silliness.
• Ludicrous: Suggests something laughable or comical due to its absurdity.
• Farcical: Similar to ludicrous, often used to describe situations that are absurdly comical.

Synonyms with Added Emphasis (on unbelievability or irrationality):

• Incredible: While usually meaning "unbelievable," in this context it emphasizes the sheer improbability of something.
• Unthinkable: Suggests something so unlikely or outrageous that it's difficult to imagine.
• Outrageous: Implies something shocking or unacceptable due to its absurdity.
• Preposterous: (The word you were close to!) This word itself is a strong synonym, emphasizing the utter foolishness or unreasonableness of something.

Synonyms with a Focus on Lack of Sense or Reason:

• Illogical: Highlights the lack of logical consistency or sense.
• Irrational: Similar to illogical, emphasizing the lack of reason or sound judgment.
• Inane: Suggests something silly, foolish, or pointless.

Which word to choose?

• Use absurd, ridiculous, ludicrous, or farcical for general situations of absurdity.
• Use incredible or unthinkable when emphasizing the unbelievability of something.
• Use outrageous when the absurdity is also shocking or unacceptable.
• Use preposterous for strong emphasis on utter foolishness or unreasonableness.
• Use illogical or irrational when focusing on the lack of sense or reason.
• Use inane for something silly, foolish, or pointless.

Examples:

• "His suggestion was preposterous." (Utterly absurd)
• "The idea of flying to Mars is not absurd." (Absurd)
• "The clown's antics were ludicrous." (Comically absurd)
• "It's unthinkable that anyone would do such a thing." (Unbelievable)
• "His argument was completely illogical." (Lack of logic)

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By Jerry Ramonyai