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
Indeed, in Fennell’s movie, Heathcliff’s race is not explicitly stated, and his otherness seems to center more around class, with emphasis placed on the fact that he was found on the streets of Liverpool and isn’t able to read or write.
—
Ellise Shafer, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026
Heathcliff’s racial ambiguity — so central to the novel’s violence and otherness — is feebly erased.
—Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 11 Feb. 2026
There’s a lot of ways to tackle otherness and discrimination.
—Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 10 Jan. 2026
While Monster luxuriated in Gein’s unraveling mind, showcasing his otherness with sequences of Gein dancing with spinning chainsaws and posing in his skin suit, Devil in Disguise is all the more effective for emphasizing Gacy’s ability to go unnoticed.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for otherness
Ellise Shafer, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026
Heathcliff’s racial ambiguity — so central to the novel’s violence and otherness — is feebly erased.
—Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 11 Feb. 2026
There’s a lot of ways to tackle otherness and discrimination.
—Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 10 Jan. 2026
While Monster luxuriated in Gein’s unraveling mind, showcasing his otherness with sequences of Gein dancing with spinning chainsaws and posing in his skin suit, Devil in Disguise is all the more effective for emphasizing Gacy’s ability to go unnoticed.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for otherness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for otherness
Noun
-
Cheuk urged directors to lean into their creative distinctiveness.—
Jenny S. Li,
Variety,
15 June 2026
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Other huge fashion conglomerates like LVMH and Kering have grown in such a way that sometimes the individual brands lose their distinctiveness.—
Dave Schilling
Contributing
Follow,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2026
Noun
-
How can the sense of an absolute union of all matter be reconciled with the endless multiplicity and distinctness of it?—
Christian Wiman,
Harpers Magazine,
30 Dec. 2025
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However, a few hours with Air Riders reveals the nuance and depth of its gameplay, the distinctness of this flavor of racing game and its sensory, chaotic, and strategic appeal.—
Ryan Gaur,
Rolling Stone,
19 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Whether those disputes are merely differences in public messaging, or reflect something deeper that could cause the agreement to collapse, remains unclear.—
Kevin Liptak,
CNN Money,
14 June 2026
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Pairing them with a meal containing some fat, even avocado toast or yogurt with nuts, makes a real difference.—
Allison Palmer
Updated June 13,
Sacbee.com,
13 June 2026
Noun
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The directing duo hoped to examine the good intentions Banks and producers had, of turning the fashion industry on its head, empowering women and championing diversity, and the way those intentions evolved as the show moved through cycles.—
Emily St. Martin,
Los Angeles Times,
16 June 2026
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The annual event brings together thousands to celebrate diversity, visibility, equality and the strength of the LGBTQ+ community in the Queen City.—
Amari Riley
June 16,
Charlotte Observer,
16 June 2026
Noun
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The judge’s ruling contained a caveat that Sorsby sit out the first two games of the Red Raiders’ season, a distinction that, as detailed below, the NCAA depicts as problematic in its own right.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
15 June 2026
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That distinction matters because the weeks following diagnosis or surgery often involve a series of complex decisions that can influence both treatment and long-term outcomes.—
Lauryn Higgins,
Flow Space,
15 June 2026
Noun
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The contrast between bright snowfields and deep shadows has always pushed displays to their limits, but on the G6, viewers can finally see the deep, rich blacks that the filmmakers originally intended.—
Nam Sunwoo,
Variety,
19 June 2026
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The Sox are 24-12 at home, in contrast to their recent road woes.—
Meghan Montemurro,
Chicago Tribune,
19 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Otherness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/otherness. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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