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

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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

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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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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 Among those affected include certain teachers, firefighters and police officers, federal employees, and workers covered by a foreign social security system. —

Lorie Konish, CNBC, 16 Feb. 2025 Idaho dairy farmers employ thousands of workers, many of them foreign born and undocumented, and are generally opposed to mandatory E-Verify. —

Rachel Spacek, Idaho Statesman, 16 Feb. 2025 Adams was indicted last year on charges of bribery and fraud following a federal investigation into allegations that his campaign had illegally conspired with wealthy foreign businesspeople and Turkish officials to collect donations. —

Dave Lawler, Axios, 14 Feb. 2025 The importing business could be any American company that purchases goods from foreign suppliers and brings them into the country for resale, manufacturing, or distribution. —

David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for foreign

Recent Examples of Synonyms for foreign

Adjective

Sales in international markets rose 0.1%, saddled by weakness in Britain.

— Savyata Mishra, USA TODAY, 11 Feb. 2025
Already, like France, the international community has come out vocally against Trump’s plans.

— Joseph Ataman, CNN, 11 Feb. 2025