Synonym Chooser

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

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 extrinsic That’s where the balance of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation comes in—gamification should enhance the inherent rewards of work rather than relying solely on badges, tokens and points. Par Chadha, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025 This certainly hints at a deep and powerful form of motivation known as intrinsic motivation (doing something for a deep personal reason for example), as opposed to extrinsic motivation (in the sense of some short-term financial reward or external validation). Adrian Kelly, Big Think, 5 Feb. 2025 The most common causes of extrinsic stains are coffee, tea, red wine, colas, and smoking. Sherri Gordon, Health, 2 Feb. 2025 Initially, all participants enter for financial gain—a classic example of extrinsic motivation. Mark Travers, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for extrinsic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for extrinsic
Adjective
  • The team was able to remove the external support in October and added a dental acrylic covering over the gap in the bone until late March.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 10 Apr. 2025
  • But these laws have not historically extended to child influencers and social media stars — leaving the influencer space largely free of guidelines and any external accountability.
    CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • They’re beautifully designed and thoroughly approved—but quickly irrelevant.
    Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Wherever Detroit falls in the standings should be irrelevant Friday, though.
    Hunter Patterson, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Lauren Heller Since Sagittarians are willing to try anything once, the Fire sign resembles Lauren's adventitious persona.
    Lisa Stardust, People.com, 31 Mar. 2025
  • The patchy and adventitious quality of Jameson’s reconstruction must make clear his difference as a thinker.
    Mark Greif, Harper's Magazine, 26 July 2024
Adjective
  • Which passport wallets are best? Passport wallets have long been viewed as somewhat of an extraneous travel accessory for years, but are steadily rising in their popularity among frequent flyers and travelers.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2025
  • So, in essence, all the extraneous information not required by the model is eliminated, allowing continuous computation of trajectories through the mental model space (either real or imagined) with unparalleled efficiency.
    Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Similarly, an accidental executor can be the trustee of a revocable trust after the grantor has passed away.
    Virginia La Torre Jeker, J.D., Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
  • What followed was part social experiment, part accidental soul-baring, and slightly more fun than doomscrolling solo.
    Jennifer Jolly, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Extrinsic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extrinsic. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on extrinsic

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