EXTRINSIC Synonyms: 29 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of extrinsic are alien , extraneous , and foreign . While all these words mean "external to a thing, its essential nature, or its original character," 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: How do 'alien' and 'foreign' relate to one another, in the sense of 'extrinsic'?

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

Q: When could 'extraneous' be used to replace 'extrinsic'?

While in some cases nearly identical to extrinsic , 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 'foreign' be a better fit than 'extrinsic'?

Although the words foreign and extrinsic have much in common, 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

extrinsic

adjective

ek-ˈstrin-zik

Definition of extrinsic next

as in external

not being a vital part of or belonging to something the fact that the ring belonged to your grandmother is extrinsic to its value to a jeweler

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Some common synonyms of extrinsic are alien, extraneous, and foreign. While all these words mean "external to a thing, its essential nature, or its original character," 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

How do alien and foreign relate to one another, in the sense of extrinsic?

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

a practice totally alien to her nature

When could extraneous be used to replace extrinsic?

While in some cases nearly identical to extrinsic, 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 foreign be a better fit than extrinsic?

Although the words foreign and extrinsic have much in common, 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 extrinsic On the other hand, extrinsic goals are those that are imposed from outside of you or are influenced by culture. —

Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes, 26 Sep. 2024 The factors that trigger enamel loss can be intrinsic or extrinsic. —

Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 31 July 2024 The game itself didn’t bare much extrinsic weight, similar to Povich’s home debut at Camden Yards. —

Sam Cohn, Baltimore Sun, 13 June 2024 Old fashioned extrinsic motivators would work here. —

Eli Amdur, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for extrinsic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for extrinsic

Adjective

The appointment was intended to signal Murray is there to stay after a high-profile external search.

Mike Allen, Axios, 20 Dec. 2024
It should be made prohibitively risky and time-consuming for the IRS national office to give lobbyists inside access, and the IRS should be prevented from paying external whistleblowers who inform on their fellow citizens.

William Henck, Orlando Sentinel, 20 Dec. 2024