ALIEN Synonyms: 188 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of alien are extraneous , extrinsic , and foreign . While all these words mean "external to a thing, its essential nature, or its original character," alien is stronger than foreign in suggesting opposition, repugnance, or irreconcilability. // a practice totally alien to her nature

Q: In what contexts can 'extraneous' take the place of 'alien'?

The synonyms extraneous and alien are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 is it sensible to use 'extrinsic' instead of 'alien'?

While in some cases nearly identical to alien , 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

Q: When could 'foreign' be used to replace 'alien'?

The words foreign and alien are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

alien 1 of 3

adjective

ˈā-lē-ən

Definition of alien next

as in foreign

being, relating to, or characteristic of a country other than one's own they were careful to learn of any alien business customs before trying to expand overseas

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in irrelevant

not being a vital part of or belonging to something it's completely alien to her nature to wish evil of anyone

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

alien

2 of 3

verb

as in to anger

to cause to change from friendly or loving to unfriendly or uncaring such angry outbursts will rapidly alien any friends you might possibly have left

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as in to transfer

to give over the legal possession or ownership of the couple plans to alien the adjoining house lot to their eldest son

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expropriate

alien

3 of 3

noun

as in stranger

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of alien are extraneous, extrinsic, and foreign. While all these words mean "external to a thing, its essential nature, or its original character," alien is stronger than foreign in suggesting opposition, repugnance, or irreconcilability.

a practice totally alien to her nature

In what contexts can extraneous take the place of alien?

The synonyms extraneous and alien are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 is it sensible to use extrinsic instead of alien?

While in some cases nearly identical to alien, 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

When could foreign be used to replace alien?

The words foreign and alien are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

Examples 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 alien

Adjective

There's an uncanny, alien quality to her voice, which unfurls like incense smoke, while the track's speckled bongos and subtle chimes glint like light reflected off a cocktail glass. —

EW.com, 14 Dec. 2024 So Rob does not enjoy that, and that was something that felt very alien at first. —

Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Dec. 2024

Verb

But even that description fails to capture what Yagi is after: those parts of us, precious and possibly hostile, which flower in darkness, disintegrate when described, and can be compared only to alien life-forms. —

Katy Waldman, The New Yorker, 8 Aug. 2022 Neanderthal to alien, and yet strangely well-suited for the modern era. —

Nick Remsen, CNN, 30 Sep. 2021

Noun

All three soldiers have been charged with one count of bringing in and harboring aliens, while Palma and Jauregui face an additional charge of assaulting a federal agent, the U.S. Attorney's Office said. —

Jonathan Limehouse, USA TODAY, 4 Dec. 2024 Venom: The Last Dance debuted in late October and starred Tom Hardy as a journalist who is possessed by Venom in a bid to stop even more malevolent aliens from invading earth. —

Caroline Reid, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for alien

Recent Examples of Synonyms for alien

Adjective

But only Hindu Americans like Gabbard are being singled out as suspect of having dual loyalty to a foreign government.

Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024
In addition to mounting H-1B denials and a Request for Evidence rate that reached 60%, employers faced many policies during the Trump administration that restricted the ability of employers to hire and retain high-skilled foreign nationals.

Stuart Anderson, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024