otherness

noun

oth·​er·​ness ˈə-t͟hər-nəs How to pronounce otherness (audio)
Synonyms of othernessnext
1
: the quality or state of being other or different
2
: something that is other or different

Examples of otherness in a Sentence

As an American growing up in Africa, I always felt a sense of otherness. the otherness of their small religious community
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Indeed, in Fennell’s movie, Heathcliff’s race is not explicitly stated, and his otherness seems to center more around class, with emphasis placed on the fact that he was found on the streets of Liverpool and isn’t able to read or write. Ellise Shafer, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026 Heathcliff’s racial ambiguity — so central to the novel’s violence and otherness — is feebly erased. Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 11 Feb. 2026 But the dominant theological narrative is really from our otherness to oneness. Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 3 Feb. 2026 And yeah, that feeling of otherness. Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 29 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for otherness

Word History

First Known Use

1587, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of otherness was in 1587

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Otherness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/otherness. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

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