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
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
The music itched with palpable otherness, from the experience of a Black art-school kid hailing from Stone Mountain, Georgia, and recklessly lumbered with the intention of redefining Black male cool.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 24 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for otherness 
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
The music itched with palpable otherness, from the experience of a Black art-school kid hailing from Stone Mountain, Georgia, and recklessly lumbered with the intention of redefining Black male cool.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 24 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for otherness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for otherness
Noun
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Per capita caps would likely result in less money for states, forcing them to make up the difference by raising taxes or cutting spending elsewhere.—
Victoria Knight,
Axios,
15 Feb. 2025
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The main difference between physical hunger and emotional eating is that emotional eating starts in the brain and includes sudden onset feelings of anxiety or sadness, specific cravings, not feeling satisfied even when full, and feelings of guilt after eating.—
Allison Futterman,
Discover Magazine,
15 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Some civil rights groups have threatened to boycott companies that retreat from diversity initiatives.—
Deborah Barfield Berry,
USA TODAY,
14 Feb. 2025
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The act of censorship comes as Trump administration’s calls for only male and female genders to be recognized, and the cancelation of all national diversity, equity, and inclusion programs (DEI).—
The Editors of ARTnews,
ARTnews.com,
14 Feb. 2025
Noun
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That distinction — great — belongs to the NBA’s true title contenders, a category that remains exclusive.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
9 Feb. 2025
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Gillett has led with confidence, grace, and distinction, carrying out the exact mandate of our legislative body.—
Rep. Jaime Foster,
Hartford Courant,
6 Feb. 2025
Noun
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The ‘Iced Black’ bonnet sets the contrast nicely while the 23-inch five-spoke forged aluminum wheels, illuminated grille, and polished brightwork complete the look.—
Matthew MacConnell,
Forbes,
18 Feb. 2025
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In contrast, the 40th-anniversary show minimized the early years and instead explored the fun possibilities of intergenerational cross-pollination.—
Joe Berkowitz,
Vulture,
17 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near otherness
Cite this Entry
“Otherness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/otherness. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
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