alien 1 of 3

alien

2 of 3

verb

alien

3 of 3

noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word alien different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of alien are extraneous, extrinsic, and foreign. While all these words mean "external to a thing, its essential nature, or its original character," alien is stronger than foreign in suggesting opposition, repugnance, or irreconcilability.

a practice totally alien to her nature

In what contexts can extraneous take the place of alien?

The synonyms extraneous and alien are sometimes interchangeable, but extraneous applies to what is on or comes from the outside and may or may not be capable of becoming an essential part.

arguments extraneous to the issue

When is it sensible to use extrinsic instead of alien?

While in some cases nearly identical to alien, extrinsic applies to what is distinctly outside the thing in question or is not contained in or derived from its essential nature.

sentimental value that is extrinsic to the house's market value

When could foreign be used to replace alien?

The words foreign and alien are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, foreign applies to what is so different as to be rejected or repelled or to be incapable of becoming assimilated.

techniques foreign to French cuisine

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 alien
Adjective
Laurence Fishburne voiced the titular anti-hero, a shiny alien who heralds the coming of Galactus, the Devourer of Worlds. Dale Obbie, Vulture, 23 July 2025 In the comics, the character was a soulful alien with a totally rad interstellar surfboard and a lot of existential ennui. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 22 July 2025
Verb
But children in danger seems to be a new superhero trend: Superman recently featured a scene in which the hero played by David Corenswet must hold an alien baby aloft in a time-bending stream of death. Eliana Dockterman, Time, 25 July 2025 Unbeknownst to all, a xenomorph is on the ship… and so are a bunch of brand new alien creatures. Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 25 July 2025
Noun
But even that description fails to capture what Yagi is after: those parts of us, precious and possibly hostile, which flower in darkness, disintegrate when described, and can be compared only to alien life-forms. Katy Waldman, The New Yorker, 8 Aug. 2022 Neanderthal to alien, and yet strangely well-suited for the modern era. Nick Remsen, CNN, 30 Sep. 2021 See All Example Sentences for alien
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alien
Adjective
  • Real or perceived connections to the Chinese government, companies, or foreign nationals, often raising concerns about influence or security.
    Edward Segal, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2025
  • But the pharma companies’ moves are not expected to decrease the United States’ reliance on foreign sources for key pharmaceutical ingredients and drugs, experts say.
    Tami Luhby, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The idea of four years on a residential campus may feel either inaccessible or irrelevant.
    Catherine Wehlburg, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025
  • Its 194 mph top speed and ability to cover zero to 62 mph in 3.4 seconds are irrelevant on congested Cañon Drive, but the soundtrack of the model’s 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 adds gravitas to the arrival at our breakfast destination.
    Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 24 July 2025
Verb
  • Trump, angered by messy encampments of homeless people near the White House and on the nation's streets and parks, declared that organizations receiving federal funding must focus first on locking up people with drug or mental health challenges.
    Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 31 July 2025
  • In March, Gerson signed a contract to keep him at Flamengo until 2030, his subsequent departure angering many Flamengo fans.
    Henry Flynn, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025
Verb
  • More than 1,800 files were transferred after Gong had already accepted a position with one of the company's competitors.
    Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 July 2025
  • Griner was transferred to a Russian penal colony roughly 300 miles outside of Moscow after being sentenced to nine years in prison.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 23 July 2025
Noun
  • The viral video, with just under a half a million views, led commenters to share their own experiences of comforting strangers.
    Colson Thayer, People.com, 22 July 2025
  • On Sunday, Lovett Moore’s family and friends, volunteers, strangers and clergy from as far away as the Bay Area began their search once again, gathering near the Arena Boulevard gas station where the legally blind and disabled Natomas man was last seen.
    Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 21 July 2025
Adjective
  • Addressing cost and construction time delays, Aalo's pod is designed to have a relatively small physical footprint, with no need for external water sources.
    Karoline Leonard, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
  • To support this, organizations should map their internal resources and skill sets to find the right balance between in-sourcing and out-sourcing, depending on where internal expertise resides and where external partnerships may be more efficient.
    Sander Barens, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025
Verb
  • July 15, 2025 This multi-state strike stems from souring contract negotiations between the greater Boston Teamsters Local 25 and Republic Services.
    Sophie Clark, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 July 2025
  • But Republicans’ perception of Musk also soured while his tenure as Trump’s chief cost-cutter ended in flames.
    Derek Saul, Forbes.com, 4 July 2025
Verb
  • Last July, Piastri claimed his maiden victory after McLaren told Norris, who had gained the lead via an undercut, to cede position on Lap 68.
    Jenny Catlin, New York Times, 31 July 2025
  • The federal government has ceded its leadership on climate and clean energy, but America doesn’t have to.
    Mindy Lubber, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025

Cite this Entry

“Alien.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alien. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

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