outsider

noun

out·​sid·​er ˌau̇t-ˈsī-dər 

ˈau̇t-ˌsī-

1

: a person who does not belong to a particular group

2

chiefly British : a contender not expected to win

outsiderness noun

Synonyms

• foreigner
• nonnative
• outlander
• stranger

Examples of outsider in a Sentence

To outsiders, the ritual may seem strange.

She felt like an outsider in her new school.

An outsider defeated the champion!

She was a rank outsider who managed to win.

Recent Examples on the Web

The race became a bit of a proxy battle of sorts within the Democratic Party with Lee as the long-time progressive leader and the choice of many establishment leaders and Taylor running on a more moderate platform and positioning himself as an outsider who would bring change to the city. —Jared Gans, The Hill, 19 Apr. 2025

Born with glowing white hair and mystical powers, Lucy has always felt like an outsider, even in the embrace of her loving family. —Jamie Lang, Variety, 15 Apr. 2025

Owners not only get to keep the company name in the window but are positioned to prevent outsiders from disrupting the good existing inside the business. —Gerry Spitzer, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025

Few photographs made it to social media, and, to an outsider, the event seemed designed to stay just out of view. —Air Mail, 12 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1800, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for outsider

• collider
• confider
• divider
• insider
• provider
• cider
• cyder
• eider
• glider
• hider
• rider
• schneider

Kids Definition

outsider

noun

out·​sid·​er (ˈ)au̇t-ˈsīd-ər 

: a person who does not belong to a particular group