Uncanny: meaning, definitions and examples

Use 'uncanny' when talking about something mysterious, almost supernatural, that feels inexplicable or beyond the ordinary.

• She had an uncanny ability to predict future events
• The resemblance between them was uncanny

Use 'eerie' when describing something that is creepy or spooky, often associated with a feeling of fear or unease.

• The abandoned house looked eerie in the moonlight
• The forest was eerily silent

Use 'weird' when something is very unusual, odd, or bizarre, often in a way that is unsettling or hard to understand. It can have a negative connotation.

• That movie was really weird
• She said something that sounded weird to everyone in the room

Use 'strange' when something is unusual or different from the norm, often causing curiosity or surprise.

• He had a strange way of laughing
• The situation was strange, but it worked out in the end

When something is strange or eerie in a way that seems beyond normal understanding, often evoking a sense of unease or eeriness.

• Her resemblance to his late wife was uncanny
• The old house had an uncanny feel to it

When something is above or beyond the laws of nature, often involving elements like ghosts, spirits, or magic.

• He claimed to have had a supernatural experience in the old castle
• The movie was filled with supernatural phenomena

When something is full of secrets or has an unknown quality to it, often invoking curiosity and wonder.

• The disappearance of the ship remains mysterious
• She had a mysterious air about her

When something cannot be explained or understood logically, lacking a clear reason or logic.

• The sudden drop in temperatures was inexplicable
• His behavior at the meeting was inexplicable