NON-NATIVE Synonyms: 62 Similar and Opposite Words

nonnative 1 of 2

adjective

ˌnän-ˈnā-tiv

Definition of nonnative

as in foreign

being, relating to, or characteristic of a country other than one's own nonnative customs that made the recent immigrants stand out in their new country

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

nonnative

2 of 2

noun

as in stranger

a person who is not native to or known to a community the problems encountered by a nonnative after moving into a close-knit community

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 nonnative

Adjective

Eurasian Eagle Owls are apex predators, and Flaco was a nonnative species that may have had a negative effect on the fragile Central Park ecosystem. — Emma Gometz, Scientific American, 7 Aug. 2026 Novack grew up nearby, where gardening, albeit with nonnative plants like gladiolus, had been an essential part of her childhood. — Pedro Moura, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2026 This program, called the Exotic Pet Amnesty Program, works to decrease the number of nonnative species in nature. — Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 22 July 2026 However, not all nonnative species are considered invasive, a title reserved for those that cause harm to the environment, economy or human quality of life. — Rylan Digiacomo-Rapp, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 July 2026 They have been introduced in other waters and, like nonnative blue catfish, are thriving in several tidal rivers, such as Virginia’s James River. — Ken Perrotte, Outdoor Life, 4 June 2026 According to Headrick, carpenter bees also pollinate nonnative species such as blueberries, melons, tomatoes, eggplant and squash. — Sarah Linn april 24, Sacbee.com, 24 Apr. 2026 Threats to the Banbury Springs limpet include habitat modification due to hydroelectric dams, decreased groundwater quality and competition from nonnative species such as the New Zealand mudsnail, according to the Idaho Governor’s Office of Species Conservation. — Idaho Statesman, 22 Apr. 2026 Hilgert also suggested swapping out thirsty nonnative lawn turf for more resilient native grasses, like buffalograss or blue grama grass. — Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 21 Apr. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for nonnative

Adjective

The British international banking group was among the first foreign banks to start operating out of GIFT City in 2020.

— Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 13 Aug. 2026
But intelligence officials previously told The Associated Press that Russia’s security services are now more brazen in their choice of targets, going after Russian activists and foreign supporters of Ukraine as well as military defectors.

— Claudia Ciobanu, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of foreign

Noun

The researchers scanned the brains of eight dogs — six border collies, a labrador and a golden retriever — while showing them images of strangers with either a happy or a neutral expression.

— Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
There is something profoundly moving about experiencing that connection in a room full of strangers.

— Leo Barraclough, Variety, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of stranger

Noun

The president also has deflected criticism of their impact on consumer prices by claiming erroneously that foreigners pay for them.

— Kent Jones, The Conversation, 13 Aug. 2026
In major urban centers, persistent joblessness has fueled a resurgence of anti-migrant rhetoric and vigilante violence targeting foreigners from neighboring African states, who are frequently accused of taking jobs and overloading local services.

— Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of foreigner

Noun

Stitch’s love interest Angel, a pink alien, was shown in a new image with glowing antennae.

— Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 15 Aug. 2026
Binface, who was first to declare and already a running joke in British elections, drew the most attention because of his satirical spin on politics and persona as a space alien from the planet Sigma IX.

— ABC News, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of alien

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nonnational

nonnative

nonnatives

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“Nonnative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nonnative. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of nonnative

adjective

noun

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