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

Examples 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 The Thai and Chinese foreign ministries did not immediately respond to requests for comment. —

Dake Kang and Huizhong Wu, Los Angeles Times, 11 Jan. 2025 The Belt and Road Initiative is a long-term, international project of the Chinese government to facilitate easier global trade, expand CCP influence in foreign nations, and increase Chinese cultural exports. —

Timothy Nerozzi, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 11 Jan. 2025 Precise figures are difficult to verify, but it’s estimated that the Israeli Army has more than four thousand soldiers of French nationality, the second-largest contingent of foreign recruits. —

Annie Hylton, The New Yorker, 11 Jan. 2025 Kamala Harris, Democratic vice president of the United States, canceled the final foreign trip of her term to Singapore, Bahrain and Germany because of the wildfires in her home state of California, her office announced. —

Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 11 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for foreign

Recent Examples of Synonyms for foreign

Adjective

The Day One orders affect immigration processes, grant clemency to people convicted in the Jan. 6, 2021, riot; erase Biden administration changes to the country; pull back from international alliances and give a TikTok ban an extension.

— The Hill Staff, The Hill, 21 Jan. 2025
Al Drago | Bloomberg | Getty Images This report is from today’s CNBC Daily Open, our international markets newsletter.

— Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 21 Jan. 2025