outsider

noun

out·​sid·​er ˌau̇t-ˈsī-dər How to pronounce outsider (audio)
ˈau̇t-ˌsī-
Synonyms of outsidernext
1
: a person who does not belong to a particular group
2
chiefly British : a contender not expected to win
outsiderness noun

Examples of outsider in a Sentence

To outsiders, the ritual may seem strange. She felt like an outsider in her new school. An outsider defeated the champion! She was a rank outsider who managed to win.
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.
The Lakers executive’s contribution signals growing Hollywood interest in Pratt’s outsider candidacy, which has gained momentum following his outspoken criticism of city leadership after the 2025 Palisades fires. Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 18 May 2026 Council members have publicly differed on whether to appoint from within or look for an outsider. Charlotte Observer, 18 May 2026 Polling in the race has shown Jackson, a billionaire MAGA-hardliner running as a political outsider, narrowly leading Jones. Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 18 May 2026 And with it, brothers Peter, David and Jack Baker have for 12 years cultivated a craft distillery in Litchfield, yes with a still that, to an outsider, could resemble art or a science project, and a tasting room loaded with tasty liquor, maple syrup and plenty of swag. Emily M. Olson, Hartford Courant, 17 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for outsider

Word History

First Known Use

1800, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of outsider was in 1800

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Cite this Entry

“Outsider.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outsider. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

outsider

noun
out·​sid·​er (ˈ)au̇t-ˈsīd-ər How to pronounce outsider (audio)
: a person who does not belong to a particular group

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