PARIAH Synonyms: 11 Similar and Opposite Words

pariah

noun

pə-ˈrī-ə

Definition of pariah

as in outcast

one who is cast out or rejected by society I felt like a pariah when I wore the wrong outfit to the dinner party

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

insider

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 pariah Relatability is an overhyped virtue these days, but fans seem to see themselves in Patricia, whose teenage traumas have rendered her a social pariah desperate for connection. — Josef Adalian, Vulture, 29 June 2026 The country, once cast as a diplomatic pariah by the West, took on a lead role mediating between the US and Iran to produce a deal. — Tasneem Nashrulla, semafor.com, 18 June 2026 Not everyone treated the couple as pariahs, though. — Literary Hub, 16 June 2026 Monday’s court ruling and Texas Tech’s defense of its quarterback have shaken administrators and turned the Red Raiders into a pariah, now over more than just Texas Tech’s heavy spending on transfers in multiple sports. — Chris Vannini, New York Times, 9 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for pariah

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pariah

Noun

Those accused became social outcasts, leading to eviction notices from landlords, pink slips, club membership revocation and divorces.

— Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2026
As Davud is drawn back into addiction, Shams grows increasingly isolated among the building’s workers, veterans and outcasts.

— Marta Balaga, Variety, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of outcast

Noun

The best part of the movie is Murray Bartlett’s wise leper, a man who for the vast majority of his screen time is covered head to toe.

— Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 26 June 2026
Robin also strikes up a friendship with a soulful, philosophical leper (Murray Bartlett, covered in wrappings from head to toe), who somehow recognizes his good qualities.

— Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 11 June 2026

Definition of leper

Noun

And both the immune and eliminated designers are high on their own power; Elizabeth, in particular, is acting mighty haughty for a woman whose ruffled scarlet satin dress looks like a reject from the Westworld costume department.

— Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 17 July 2026
The most opinionated of these rejects is Smarty Pants, a basic toilet-training tech tool given an amusingly snarky attitude by Conan O’Brien.

— David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 16 June 2026

Definition of reject

Noun

On Survivor, the strongest castaways are often eliminated early because they are perceived as threats.

— Erik Clarke, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
Gilligan’s Island, American television sitcom about a group of castaways on a desert island and the chaos that ensues as their attempts at rescue are constantly thwarted.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 5 Aug. 2026