NONNATIVE 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

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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

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 The fire trend is linked to the proliferation of nonnative and highly flammable grasses, particularly on fallowed landscapes once used for sugar and pineapple plantations. — Evan Bush, NBC news, 20 Mar. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for nonnative

Adjective

Over the past few years, South Korea has made regulatory changes to court foreign investors and boost its domestic stock market.

— Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026
Fuel supply meets reactor demand The deal comes as the US works to rebuild domestic uranium enrichment capacity and reduce dependence on foreign fuel supplies.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of foreign

Noun

The movie itself disappoints him for its deviations from the Stephen King novel (including this detail may help preempt criticisms over this adaptation), but he’s also distracted by the presence of a strikingly handsome stranger (Homer Gere).

— Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 6 Aug. 2026
As the ice melts between their open palms, time flows backwards, revealing two strangers bound by a silent recognition and a love that longs for neither shape nor certainty, but only the grace of existing.

— Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of stranger

Noun

Xenophobic unrest in South Africa, where violent mobs have forced thousands of African foreigners to flee the country, has thrust migration into the spotlight.

— Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Currently, foreigners can obtain citizenship in one of the countries by making a qualified investment in its economy, such as buying real estate or contributing to a government fund.

— Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of foreigner

Noun

Speaking of Sugar’s caseload, Season 2’s improvements are evident beyond the inevitable advantages of outing him as an alien.

— Ben Travers, IndieWire, 7 Aug. 2026
How can a journalist get grip on a community when they’re hired and then flee, get fired, or become the victim of a space alien abduction?

— Ticked Off, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of alien

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nonnational

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nonnatives

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Style

“Nonnative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nonnative. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of nonnative

adjective

noun

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