Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

outrageous

American  
[out-rey-juhs] / aʊtˈreɪ dʒəs /

adjective

  1. of the nature of or involving gross injury or wrong.

    an outrageous slander.

  2. grossly offensive to the sense of right or decency.

    outrageous behavior; an outrageous remark.

    Synonyms:
    revolting, shocking, insulting, repugnant
  3. passing reasonable bounds; intolerable or shocking.

    an outrageous price.

    Synonyms:
    appalling, unthinkable
  4. violent in action or temper.

  5. highly unusual or unconventional; extravagant; remarkable.

    a child of the most outrageous precocity; a fancy dive performed with outrageous ease.


outrageous British  
/ aʊtˈreɪdʒəs /

adjective

  1. being or having the nature of an outrage

  2. grossly offensive to decency, authority, etc

  3. violent or unrestrained in behaviour or temperament

  4. extravagant or immoderate

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Related Words

See flagrant.

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of outrageous

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English, from Middle French outrageus. See outrage, -ous

Explanation

Something outrageous is extreme, over the top, beyond reason. It's hard to believe, and usually not in a good way. If the police came in and stole your TV, that would be outrageous. If you know what outrage means, then you're on your way to understanding outrageous. Outrageous things make people outraged, really angry, or astounded because they're just so ridiculous. If your teacher gave everyone an F for no reason, that would be outrageous. If a friend spilled your secrets to everyone: outrageous. Lady Gaga rolling up to the Grammy’s in a giant egg? Totally outrageous, but in a wacky and extravagant kind of way.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing outrageous

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.

"Outrageous", "rejuvenated" and "arrogance" – Jadon Sancho was the talk of the Champions League on Wednesday night.

From BBC • May 1, 2024

The internet is filled with lists and compilation videos of “10 Top Nicolas Cage Freakouts,” “The 25 Most Outrageous Nic Cage Moments” and “Nicolas Cage’s 10 Craziest Roles Ever.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2022

Outrageous statements and flashy graphics grab attention, but there’s also plenty of sound, factually correct money content out there — and some of it is even entertaining.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 21, 2022

We’ve talked about this a lot: Outrageous, bombastic and sometimes untrue things are more engaging than the truth.

From New York Times • Nov. 20, 2020

Outrageous and ridiculous were the first words she wrote.

From "Ralph S. Mouse" by Beverly Cleary