What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
preposterous
Example
It's preposterous to think that aliens have landed on Earth. [preposterous: adjective]
Example
The notion that the earth is flat is preposterous. [preposterous: adjective]
ridiculous
Example
It's ridiculous to think that cats can fly. [ridiculous: adjective]
Example
The idea that the moon is made of cheese is ridiculous. [ridiculous: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ridiculous is more commonly used than preposterous in everyday language. Ridiculous is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while preposterous is less common and more formal.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between preposterous and ridiculous?
Preposterous is more formal and less commonly used in everyday language than ridiculous. While ridiculous can be used in both formal and informal contexts, preposterous is typically reserved for more formal situations.