PREPOSTEROUS

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 Dictionary entry overview: What does preposterous mean? 

• PREPOSTEROUS (adjective)
  The adjective PREPOSTEROUS has 1 sense:

1. so unreasonable as to invite derision

  Familiarity information: PREPOSTEROUS used as an adjective is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• PREPOSTEROUS (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

So unreasonable as to invite derision

Synonyms:

absurd; cockeyed; derisory; idiotic; laughable; ludicrous; nonsensical; preposterous; ridiculous

Context example:

her conceited assumption of universal interest in her rather dull children was ridiculous

Similar:

foolish (devoid of good sense or judgment)

 Context examples 

For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which compelled our respect.

(The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

It struck me as preposterous in London, but I'm bound to say that it seems even more so upon closer acquaintance.

(The Lost World, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

At this point I agreed with you that it was preposterous and was glad to find that all my deductions had been correct.

(The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

“My dearest,” I remonstrated, “don't talk preposterous nonsense! Who has made the least allusion to gold watches?”

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

He saw before him an unhappy girl, knew the futility of attempting to convince her husband or her, and, though the whole situation was absurd and preposterous, he resolved to surrender.

(Martin Eden, by Jack London)

It is absurd, impossible, preposterous to anyone who knew him.

(His Last Bow, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

They had laughed over that last word as if the idea it suggested was a most preposterous one, but they had held to their resolve, and whenever they could get on without help they did so, and no one interfered, for Mrs. March had advised the plan.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

They walk across the bright stage of English history with their finicky step, their preposterous cravats, their high collars, their dangling seals, and they vanish into those dark wings from which there is no return.

(Rodney Stone, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

The first is the making of Pycroft write a declaration by which he entered the service of this preposterous company.

(The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

It was the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just now.

(The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)