preposterous Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective satellite incongruous; inviting ridicule
    derisory; ludicrous; idiotic; cockeyed; ridiculous; absurd; laughable; nonsensical.
    • the absurd excuse that the dog ate his homework
    • that's a cockeyed idea
    • ask a nonsensical question and get a nonsensical answer
    • a contribution so small as to be laughable
    • it is ludicrous to call a cottage a mansion
    • a preposterous attempt to turn back the pages of history
    • her conceited assumption of universal interest in her rather dull children was ridiculous

WordNet

Pre*pos"ter*ous adjective
Etymology
L. praeposterus; prae before + posterus coming after, latter. See Posterior.
Definitions
  1. Having that first which ought to be last; inverted in order. Obs.
    The method I take may be censured as preposterous, because I thus treat last of the antediluvian earth, which was first in the order of nature. Woodward.
  2. Contrary to nature or reason; not adapted to the end; utterly and glaringly foolish; unreasonably absurd; perverted. "Most preposterous conclusions." Shak.
    Preposterous ass, that never read so far! Shak.
    Syn. -- Absurd; perverted; wrong; irrational; foolish; monstrous. See Absurd. -- Pre*pos"ter*ous*ly, adv. -Pre*pos"ter*ous*ness, n.

Webster 1913