FOREIGN Synonyms: 59 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'foreign' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of foreign are alien , extraneous , and extrinsic . While all these words mean "external to a thing, its essential nature, or its original character," foreign applies to what is so different as to be rejected or repelled or to be incapable of becoming assimilated. // techniques foreign to French cuisine

Q: How do 'alien' and 'foreign' relate to one another?

Alien is stronger than foreign in suggesting opposition, repugnance, or irreconcilability. // a practice totally alien to her nature

Q: When is 'extraneous' a more appropriate choice than 'foreign'?

The words extraneous and foreign are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, extraneous applies to what is on or comes from the outside and may or may not be capable of becoming an essential part. // arguments extraneous to the issue

Q: When might 'extrinsic' be a better fit than 'foreign'?

In some situations, the words extrinsic and foreign are roughly equivalent. However, extrinsic applies to what is distinctly outside the thing in question or is not contained in or derived from its essential nature. // sentimental value that is extrinsic to the house's market value

foreign

adjective

ˈfȯr-ən

Definition of foreign next

as in international

being, relating to, or characteristic of a country other than one's own more Americans should take an interest in foreign languages

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in external

not being a vital part of or belonging to something pediatricians often have to remove peas or other foreign bodies from inside the ears of curious toddlers

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in multinational

relating to or involving two or more nations foreign trade has always been vital to the region's economic health

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word foreign different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of foreign are alien, extraneous, and extrinsic. While all these words mean "external to a thing, its essential nature, or its original character," foreign applies to what is so different as to be rejected or repelled or to be incapable of becoming assimilated.

techniques foreign to French cuisine

How do alien and foreign relate to one another?

Alien is stronger than foreign in suggesting opposition, repugnance, or irreconcilability.

a practice totally alien to her nature

When is extraneous a more appropriate choice than foreign?

The words extraneous and foreign are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, extraneous applies to what is on or comes from the outside and may or may not be capable of becoming an essential part.

arguments extraneous to the issue

When might extrinsic be a better fit than foreign?

In some situations, the words extrinsic and foreign are roughly equivalent. However, extrinsic applies to what is distinctly outside the thing in question or is not contained in or derived from its essential nature.

sentimental value that is extrinsic to the house's market value

Examples of foreign in a Sentence

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Recent Examples on the Web Could foreign spies disrupt the peaceful transfer of power? —

The New Yorker, 5 Nov. 2024 Some foreign reporters have honed in on not only the divides between Trump and Harris, but individual lawmakers, at a time when the increasing partisanship is impacting foreign policy. —

Laura Kelly, The Hill, 5 Nov. 2024 Chan was surprised to discover that her boyfriend frequently sends GIFs, a practice foreign to her but supposedly more common among younger millennials. —

Melissa Fleur Afshar, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024 Trump has insisted his tariffs would create jobs at home and emancipate the U.S. from being at the mercy of foreign manufacturing. —

Eric Cortellessa, TIME, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for foreign

Recent Examples of Synonyms for foreign

Adjective

State of play: This year's festival includes 45 artists, including local performers plus ones from across the country and at least one international artist.

Alex Golden, Axios, 3 Nov. 2024
As a frequent international flier with family living in Australia, India, Italy, and Canada, my closet is filled with high-quality options that are also approved for long-haul flights.

Neha Tandon, Travel + Leisure, 3 Nov. 2024