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

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

Example 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 bodies of foreign climbers who die attempting to summit Pakistan’s mountains are typically recovered only at the request of their families and governments. — ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026 While this is not unusual for India, the country has also seen strong capital outflows from foreign investors, which limits its ability to cover the rising import expenses. — Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 6 Aug. 2026 The administration looked at the prospect of its largest foreign creditor liquidating and decided a first-in-a-generation intervention was worth the political risk. — Frank Holmes, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026 That authority matters not only in Washington, but overseas — where a lack of ambassadors can shape how foreign governments interpret US engagement. — Lauren Morganbesser, semafor.com, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for foreign

Recent Examples of Synonyms for foreign

Adjective

His work of fiction, SUM, is an international bestseller published in 33 languages and turned into two operas.

— Big Think, Big Think, 6 Aug. 2026
Carranza said a decade-long relationship ended in an international tragedy.

— Marvin Hurst, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of international

Adjective

Now, for those of you who might not know, freedivers train to be able to descend to significant depths without external breathing equipment.

— Bill Springer, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
On the process to find external partners, Clark noted that the university's leaders are working to maintain its identity.

— Jeana Fermi, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of external

Adjective

If the objects’ origins were indeed found to be extraterrestrial, the technology of the alien species far eclipses any flying machines human beings have ever developed.

— Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 6 Aug. 2026
They were forced to adapt to filmmaking modes and industries that were alien, smaller and less streamlined.

— John Bleasdale, Variety, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of alien

Adjective

The migrants were never going to be able to reach the mainland EU, but that fact was irrelevant to hard-right, anti-migrant politicians around the world who portrayed the incident in apocalyptic terms.

— Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026
There’s a big difference between irrelevant and less relevant.

— Shep Hyken, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of irrelevant

Adjective

Groceries average about $300 per month, and while imported foods come at a premium, the ability to pick up Mediterranean staples adds an unexpected layer of excitement to island life.

— Dana Sauchelli, Travel + Leisure, 22 Jan. 2026
This marks a dramatic turnaround from earlier years when imported titles commanded roughly double the audience of domestic productions.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 21 Sep. 2025

Definition of imported

Adjective

Educational psychology provides a useful framework for understanding this phenomenon through the distinction between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation.

— Jason Benedict, Fortune, 7 July 2026
Extrinsic rewards, such as grades, do so because extrinsic desires tend to crowd out intrinsic ones.

— David Brooks, The Atlantic, 28 June 2026

Definition of extrinsic

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foreheads

foreign

foreign aid

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“Foreign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foreign. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of foreign

adjective

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