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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in multinational

relating to or involving two or more nations foreign trade has always been vital to the region's economic health

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Issues related to medicine, the law, publishing and foreign travel look good. —

Georgia Nicols, The Denver Post, 13 Nov. 2024 Israel is a foreign power that has already invaded Lebanon three times and launched smaller but still devastating military operations. —

Sarah E. Parkinson, Foreign Affairs, 11 Nov. 2024 Takagi is currently investigating whether cats can distinguish between a foreign language and the language their humans speak. —

Avery Hurt, Discover Magazine, 11 Nov. 2024 Trump promises double-digit tariffs on foreign imports as a way to pressure foreign manufacturers to build their products in the U.S., Harris says that would amount to a national sales tax that would hurt consumers. —

Paul Egan, Detroit Free Press, 6 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for foreign

Recent Examples of Synonyms for foreign

Adjective

These punishments are especially painful since North Korea’s economy has been severely strained by international sanctions, the COVID-19 pandemic, and economic mismanagement.

Sungmin Cho, Foreign Affairs, 12 Nov. 2024
Another airport, in Mérida, is in the final phases of a large-scale expansion set to double its domestic and international arrivals.

Bloomberg, The Mercury News, 12 Nov. 2024