1
as in extrinsic
not being a vital part of or belonging to something
the defendant's socioeconomic status must be regarded as entirely external to his guilt or innocence
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in outer
situated on the outside or farther out
the external chambers of the ancient tomb gave little indication of the magnificence of the innermost chamber
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of external
Restraining such external meddling is the third necessary step.
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David D. Kirkpatrick, The New Yorker, 18 Dec. 2024
In August, Ford ended participation in all external culture surveys, not just ones by the Human Rights Campaign.
—Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN, 17 Dec. 2024
There are two types of radiation: internal and external.
—Doru Paul, Health, 7 Dec. 2024
Among those evacuated to neighboring Iraq and Lebanon were top commanders of Iran’s powerful Quds Forces, the external branch of the Revolutionary Guards Corps, the officials said.
—Farnaz Fassihi, New York Times, 7 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for external 
David D. Kirkpatrick, The New Yorker, 18 Dec. 2024
In August, Ford ended participation in all external culture surveys, not just ones by the Human Rights Campaign.
—Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN, 17 Dec. 2024
There are two types of radiation: internal and external.
—Doru Paul, Health, 7 Dec. 2024
Among those evacuated to neighboring Iraq and Lebanon were top commanders of Iran’s powerful Quds Forces, the external branch of the Revolutionary Guards Corps, the officials said.
—Farnaz Fassihi, New York Times, 7 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for external
Recent Examples of Synonyms for external
Adjective
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Unfortunately, if all your giving is only in response to being asked, your giving will likely be defensive and outside of your natural motivations (i.e., extrinsic).Shane Enete, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024
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This is basically relying on negative extrinsic motivation to perform task completion.Eric Wood, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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The outer wood layers of your tree are the most efficient in absorbing water so the sides of the tree trunk shouldn’t be removed.Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Dec. 2024
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Knowing how to layer and get dressed for freezing temperatures is handy, too, but the right outer layer can enhance your style all season long while keeping you cozy.Andrea Bossi, Essence, 17 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Authority figures disproportionately influence decisions, even when their preferences are irrelevant.Shanna Apitz, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
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In the box score, the Cincinnati Bengals’ 37-27 victory against the Tennessee Titans will look like a largely irrelevant game between two teams no longer a real factor in the playoff chase (though the Bengals are holding on to the slimmest of hopes).Paul Dehner Jr., The Athletic, 16 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Major exterior changes will take place in phase four, in the summer of 2026.Cuneyt Dil, Axios, 19 Dec. 2024
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Disney worked with artisans and cultural advisors to create interior spaces and exterior design choices that showcase the beauty of natural elements.Megan duBois, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Biden also objected to other language in the bill prohibiting the use of money earmarked to transfer detainees held at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to some foreign countries and into the United States.Darlene Superville, Los Angeles Times, 24 Dec. 2024
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Like other foreign carmakers, Honda and Nissan have lost ground in the world's biggest market China to BYD and other domestic makers of electric and hybrid cars loaded with innovative software.Kantaro Komiya, The Tennessean, 24 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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For all its credits, the Swift Go 14 still makes Acer’s regular sin of sticking a few too many little pieces of extraneous software onto the machine.PCMAG, PCMAG, 27 Nov. 2024
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Vitrines holding wildly different white or black objects make no sense, because whatever might be the specific visual point of the art objects is extraneous.Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 22 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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The cut appears to have been high enough that the stump should still have enough adventitious buds to regrow.Jonathan Edwards, Washington Post, 3 Oct. 2023
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Plant Deep — Really Deep Tomatoes have the ability to produce roots off their stems, known as adventitious roots.Margaret Roach, New York Times, 12 May 2020
Adjective
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The death appears to have been accidental, but the case is still under investigation, the news agency added, and an autopsy report will likely take at least another 30 days.Pilar Arias, Fox News, 25 Dec. 2024
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Bolton Coroner’s Court ruled on Friday, Dec. 20, that the boy’s death was accidental in nature.Abigail Adams, People.com, 20 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near external
Cite this Entry
“External.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/external. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.
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