as in distinctiveness
the quality or state of being different
from an early age he could sense that there was an otherness about him—he was somehow different from the other kids
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of otherness
As an immigrant teen trying to assimilate when his family moved to New York, Stan badly wanted to fit in, but was deeply conscious of his ‘otherness’.
—
Antonia Blyth, Deadline, 6 Jan. 2025
Here, centering otherness is about intentionally dissolving the idea of the imaginary center, which can no longer hold.
—Sara Raza, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2024
For some, holiness has an otherness quality set apart from all (or most) of humanity.
—Walt Shelton, Austin American-Statesman, 14 Aug. 2024
Given how crucial football is to Saudi Arabia’s ‘Vision 2030 strategy’, moving there would jeopardise his sense of ‘otherness’ and become an extension of the state’s machinery.
—Simon Hughes, The Athletic, 20 Aug. 2024
See All Example Sentences for otherness
Antonia Blyth, Deadline, 6 Jan. 2025
Here, centering otherness is about intentionally dissolving the idea of the imaginary center, which can no longer hold.
—Sara Raza, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2024
For some, holiness has an otherness quality set apart from all (or most) of humanity.
—Walt Shelton, Austin American-Statesman, 14 Aug. 2024
Given how crucial football is to Saudi Arabia’s ‘Vision 2030 strategy’, moving there would jeopardise his sense of ‘otherness’ and become an extension of the state’s machinery.
—Simon Hughes, The Athletic, 20 Aug. 2024
See All Example Sentences for otherness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for otherness
Noun
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What’s the difference between porcelain, ceramic, and stoneware dinnerware?—
Erika Owen,
Vogue,
5 Apr. 2025
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These differences can affect behavior, interactions, and learning.—
Anna Giorgi,
Verywell Health,
4 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The diversity of backgrounds and industries represented in these programs fosters not just friendships but also business partnerships and investment opportunities.—
Shai Zamanian,
Forbes.com,
3 Apr. 2025
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While trends in music being supported in Japan and elsewhere differ, they’re based on the diversity and uniqueness of Japanese music.—
Billboard Japan,
Billboard,
3 Apr. 2025
Noun
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After a rapid redesign – and with the city's enthusiastic blessing – it was built as the nation's first fire resilient community, a distinction touted by KB Home Coastal and confirmed by insurance groups.—
Elizabeth Weise,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2025
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However, there is a distinction between challenging a founder to think critically and tearing them down.—
David Nour,
Forbes.com,
31 Mar. 2025
Noun
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By contrast, 83% of Democrats see international alliances as a valuable strength.—
Katya Soldak,
Forbes.com,
8 Apr. 2025
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By contrast, Republicans and Republican-leaning adults saw a drop in concern, declining from 50 percent last year to 39 percent in 2025, an 11-point decrease.—
John W. Dean,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Otherness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/otherness. Accessed 12 Apr. 2025.
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