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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of foreign And a recent spat between Tesla’s founder, Elon Musk, and MAGA loyalists over visas for foreign specialists showed that elements of the Republican coalition are too opposed to immigrants to attract the talent that Silicon Valley requires. —

Michael Schuman, The Atlantic, 4 Feb. 2025 Founded in 1919, the covert organization spied on American citizens and foreign nations alike. —

Peter Zablocki, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Feb. 2025 Dimon in his remarks said tariffs are ultimatums meant to bring foreign leaders to the table to settle trade disputes. —

Stuart Dyos, Fortune, 23 Jan. 2025 But many Congolese see the rebel advance as an invasion of their country by a foreign power. —

Ruth MacLean, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for foreign

Recent Examples of Synonyms for foreign

Adjective

Plenty of enticing international series touch down on the platform this month, from season 2 of the Turkish hit Graveyard to the premiere of the Dutch adulting comedy Roosters, featuring rising international star Jeroen Spitzenberger.

— Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 1 Feb. 2025
The Maroon 5 frontman has a busy start to 2025 with his gig as a coach on season 27 of The Voice, an upcoming slate of international shows and eight-show Las Vegas residency with Maroon 5.

— Joelle Goldstein, People.com, 1 Feb. 2025