alien 1 of 3

Definition of aliennext

alien

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verb

alien

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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
Ramsay is recruited to the secret Area 51 test kitchen to prepare special cuisine for a new alien species Earth has just made contact with. Jeff Spry, Space.com, 8 Feb. 2026 The Alien Tourist figure — outfitted in a floral shirt, red shorts, aqua hat and big old-school camera — takes snaps of a green and antennaed alien family. Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 Feb. 2026
Verb
The film follows a ragtag group of actors (played by Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver, Alan Rickman, among other stars) from an ‘80s sci-fi series who aliens unexpectedly abduct during a convention appearance. Matt Juul, BostonGlobe.com, 7 July 2023 In particular, artist Bryan Hitch's work with writer Mark Millar on The Ultimates made the Avengers cool and provided a useful blueprint for the eventual Marvel Cinematic Universe (from inventing the Chitauri aliens to drawing Nick Fury to look like Samuel L. Jackson). Christian Holub, EW.com, 22 Feb. 2023
Noun
Joseph Gordon-Levitt played Tommy Solomon, the oldest alien trapped in the body of a teenage boy and often the smartest person in the room. Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 31 Jan. 2026 At the time, the internet was an arcane world that made everyone an alien. Literary Hub, 28 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for alien
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alien
Adjective
  • Unlike in previous crises, Cuba’s regime lacks foreign partners that can step in to help, according to Robert Munks, head of Americas research at risk intelligence company Verisk Maplecroft.
    Sam Meredith, CNBC, 14 Feb. 2026
  • The center said most of the suspects were Syrian or Iraqi, though there were other foreign nationals from Europe as well as Australia, Canada and the United States, among other countries.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Szoboszlai’s opener will sit alongside Daniel Sturridge’s effort from the 2016 Europa League final against Sevilla in Basel in the vault of stunning Liverpool goals that were ultimately deemed irrelevant by the result.
    James Pearce, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
  • In this landscape, organizations such as the CDC, which once stood as unimpeachable examples of government competence, have become victims of their own success, appearing to skeptics to be inert or irrelevant.
    Vann R. Newkirk II, The Atlantic, 9 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • However, Albanese’s decision to invite Herzog – the head of state of a country accused of genocide in Gaza, a claim Israel’s government denies – has angered many Australians and even led to calls for the visitor’s arrest.
    Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 8 Feb. 2026
  • What’s more, all that accomplishes is annoying and angering the driver who is being tailgated.
    Ticked Off, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Her mother had been transferred from the federal building in Minneapolis to a controversial Texas detention facility 1,400 miles away, according to John Hayden, an attorney who within days secured a federal court order demanding her return to Minnesota.
    Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 8 Feb. 2026
  • The previous month, Level Up transferred $150,000 to Illinois Future PAC, which is currently funding pro-Stratton TV ads.
    Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 7 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • This Valentine’s Day, Ben Smith and Kelly Dennis will profess their love for each other — and New York City — in front of loved ones, strangers and possibly Batman.
    Andrea Sachs, Washington Post, 14 Feb. 2026
  • But when a mysterious stranger begins blackmailing Neve, she is forced to compromise every legal, moral and ethical obligation to gain an acquittal — or else risk her dark secrets being exposed.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • To reliably run all three external screens, a 45-W USB-C power adapter is recommended – this can also be from a 45-W+ power bank to make the setup truly mobile.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 13 Feb. 2026
  • My commitment has always been to administering justice in a manner that promotes accountability, respects victims, supports the integrity of our legal institutions, and reinforces public confidence that the courts are a stabilizing force — regardless of political climate or external pressure.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 13 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Cooperation soured as the day went on.
    Irene Wright, USA Today, 10 Feb. 2026
  • For instance, Democrats became more positive about the future after Joe Biden won the presidency, while Republicans’ outlook soured.
    Linley Sanders, Los Angeles Times, 10 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Many of his proposals for peace have heavily favored the Kremlin, including requiring Ukraine to cede territory to Russia.
    DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE STAFF FROM WIRE REPORTS, Arkansas Online, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Zelenskyy has refused to cede those territories voluntarily.
    Yuliya Talmazan, NBC news, 5 Feb. 2026

Cite this Entry

“Alien.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alien. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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