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Definition of preposterous

preposterous

/prɪˈpɑː.stɚ.əs/
pre · pos · ter · ous
Adverb:preposterously
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preposterous Lexical Profile

preposterous Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Utterly contrary to reason, nature, or common sense; completely absurd, ridiculous, or outrageous.

Example

"The committee rejected the proposal, calling the estimated budget figures completely preposterous."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for preposterous

• Nearby Words

preposition
prepositional
prepossession
preposterous
preposterously
prepper
preppy

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the mid-16th century from the Latin word 'praeposterus', which literally meant 'before-behind' or 'inverted' (from 'prae' meaning 'before' and 'posterus' meaning 'coming after'), comparable to the English idiom 'putting the cart before the horse'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Preposterous. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/preposterous
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