outrageous 🔊
Meaning of outrageous
Shockingly bad or excessive; beyond reasonable limits.
Key Difference
While 'outrageous' implies something extreme or shocking in a way that offends morality or reason, its synonyms may vary in intensity, context, or connotation.
Example of outrageous
- The politician's outrageous comments sparked widespread condemnation.
- The price of the luxury handbag was simply outrageous.
Synonyms
egregious 🔊
Meaning of egregious
Outstandingly bad or shocking.
Key Difference
'Egregious' often refers to something conspicuously bad, whereas 'outrageous' emphasizes a sense of moral or social offensiveness.
Example of egregious
- The judge called the defendant's actions an egregious violation of the law.
- His egregious mistake cost the company millions.
preposterous 🔊
Meaning of preposterous
Contrary to reason or common sense; absurd.
Key Difference
'Preposterous' focuses on absurdity or illogicality, while 'outrageous' leans more toward shocking or offensive behavior.
Example of preposterous
- The idea that the Earth is flat is preposterous in the modern age.
- His preposterous claim that he could fly unaided made everyone laugh.
scandalous 🔊
Meaning of scandalous
Causing general public outrage by perceived violation of morality.
Key Difference
'Scandalous' often implies moral wrongdoing that shocks society, whereas 'outrageous' can refer to anything extreme or unreasonable.
Example of scandalous
- The scandalous behavior of the celebrity was all over the news.
- The leaked documents revealed scandalous corruption within the government.
unconscionable 🔊
Meaning of unconscionable
Not right or reasonable; exceeding all limits.
Key Difference
'Unconscionable' often refers to actions that are unjust or unethical, while 'outrageous' can describe anything excessively shocking.
Example of unconscionable
- The company's unconscionable exploitation of workers led to protests.
- It was unconscionable to charge such high prices for life-saving medicine.
exorbitant 🔊
Meaning of exorbitant
Exceeding appropriate limits, especially in cost.
Key Difference
'Exorbitant' is mostly used for excessive prices or demands, while 'outrageous' has a broader application.
Example of exorbitant
- The exorbitant rent in the city forced many to move away.
- The restaurant charged exorbitant prices for simple dishes.
unreasonable 🔊
Meaning of unreasonable
Beyond normal limits of acceptability.
Key Difference
'Unreasonable' is milder and more general, while 'outrageous' implies a stronger, more shocking violation of norms.
Example of unreasonable
- Her unreasonable demands made the negotiation impossible.
- The teacher's unreasonable deadline stressed the students.
appalling 🔊
Meaning of appalling
Causing shock or dismay; horrific.
Key Difference
'Appalling' often refers to something horrifying or deeply upsetting, whereas 'outrageous' can also include absurd or excessive behavior.
Example of appalling
- The appalling conditions in the factory were exposed by journalists.
- The lack of clean water in the region was truly appalling.
monstrous 🔊
Meaning of monstrous
Extremely wrong or evil; inhumanly cruel.
Key Difference
'Monstrous' suggests extreme cruelty or evil, while 'outrageous' can describe anything shockingly excessive.
Example of monstrous
- The dictator's monstrous acts were condemned worldwide.
- The monstrous injustice of the trial shocked the nation.
shocking 🔊
Meaning of shocking
Causing intense surprise or disgust.
Key Difference
'Shocking' is a broader term for anything surprising or upsetting, while 'outrageous' implies a stronger moral or social transgression.
Example of shocking
- The sudden resignation of the CEO was shocking to everyone.
- The movie's violent scenes were shocking to some viewers.
Conclusion
- 'Outrageous' is best used when describing actions, statements, or situations that are shockingly excessive or offensive.
- 'Egregious' can be used when emphasizing blatant wrongdoing without hesitation.
- For a more professional tone when discussing absurdity, 'preposterous' is the better choice.
- 'Scandalous' is ideal when referring to morally shocking behavior that stirs public outrage.
- Use 'unconscionable' when highlighting unethical or unjust actions.
- 'Exorbitant' is the best term for describing unreasonably high prices or demands.
- When the context calls for a milder term, 'unreasonable' works well.
- 'Appalling' should be used for situations that evoke horror or deep dismay.
- For extreme cruelty or evil, 'monstrous' is the most fitting word.
- 'Shocking' is a versatile term for anything that causes intense surprise or disgust.