outré
Beyond accepted taste
Outré describes something that violates conventional standards of taste or propriety—bizarre, eccentric, or shockingly unconventional.
The word carries a French air that often softens judgment into bemused observation rather than outright condemnation: Her outré fashion choices drew stares at the gala.
It suggests going beyond the merely unusual into territory that provokes or unsettles.
Unconventional in character
- outlandishStrikingly weird or foreign-seeming
- peculiarStrangely unusual
- weirdStrangely unsettling
- freakishStrangely abnormal, disturbing
grotesque · surreal · absurd · quirky · zany · kooky · whimsical · offbeat
Morally offensive or shocking
- offensiveCausing displeasure or attack-oriented
- appallingInspiring horror or disgust
- disturbingCausing mental unease
- disconcertingCausing unease or confusion
egregious · startling · improper · indecent · unseemly · distasteful · tasteless · unacceptable
Contrary to accepted practice
- bohemianArtistic nonconformist type
- nonconformistRejects prevailing social standards
- idiosyncraticDistinctively individual in nature
- iconoclasticAttacking cherished beliefs
heterodox · heretical · atypical · original · individualistic · distinctive · unique · maverick
Bordering on improper
- edgyTense and irritable
- daringAdventurous courage
- boldCourageous and daring
- controversialCausing public dispute
titillating · suggestive · audacious · brazen · immodest · racy · salacious · sensational
Testing new methods
- cutting-edgeAt innovation's forefront
- vanguardForemost position or group
- radicalRoot-indicating symbol
- groundbreakingIntroducing radical new ideas
innovative · futuristic · modernist · progressive · trailblazing · pioneering · forward-thinking · visionary
eccentric
Unconventional in character
- outlandishStrikingly weird or foreign-seeming
- peculiarStrangely unusual
- weirdStrangely unsettling
freakish · grotesque · surreal · absurd · quirky · zany · kooky · whimsical · offbeat · anomalous
scandalous
Morally offensive or shocking
- offensiveCausing displeasure or attack-oriented
- appallingInspiring horror or disgust
- disturbingCausing mental unease
disconcerting · egregious · startling · improper · indecent · unseemly · distasteful · tasteless · unacceptable · taboo
unorthodox
Contrary to accepted practice
- bohemianArtistic nonconformist type
- nonconformistRejects prevailing social standards
- idiosyncraticDistinctively individual in nature
iconoclastic · heterodox · heretical · atypical · original · individualistic · distinctive · unique · maverick · countercultural
risqué
Bordering on improper
controversial · titillating · suggestive · audacious · brazen · immodest · racy · salacious · sensational · boundary-pushing
experimental
Testing new methods
- cutting-edgeAt innovation's forefront
- vanguardForemost position or group
- radicalRoot-indicating symbol
groundbreaking · innovative · futuristic · modernist · progressive · trailblazing · pioneering · forward-thinking · visionary · neoteric
outréconventional
Following accepted practices
normal · ordinary · unremarkable · typical · standard
outréconservative
Cautious about altering customs
restrained · tasteful · decorous · proper · understated