Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of extraneous are alien, extrinsic, and foreign. While all these words mean "external to a thing, its essential nature, or its original character," 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

How do alien and foreign relate to one another, in the sense of extraneous?

Alien is stronger than foreign in suggesting opposition, repugnance, or irreconcilability.

a practice totally alien to her nature

Where would extrinsic be a reasonable alternative to extraneous?

The words extrinsic and extraneous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 can foreign be used instead of extraneous?

While in some cases nearly identical to extraneous, 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 extraneous There are no extraneous set pieces to keep the audience’s attention, no rousing speeches from world leaders, no context provided about why Ramadi was important to American interests during the Iraq War. Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 7 May 2025 So while Federal programs may seem like an extraneous, irrelevant waste of funds, Americorps changed my life. Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 6 May 2025 But the story could be streamlined and clarified by cutting out some of the extraneous characters not crucial to the plot. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Apr. 2025 But there’s a fundamental contradiction in seeing nature as something that’s extraneous to humankind. Farah Nayeri, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for extraneous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for extraneous
Adjective
  • This is the myth of convergence, fueling concerns that AI will flatten the field, that strategy becomes irrelevant when everyone has access to the same intelligence.
    Shekar Natarajan, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025
  • But freshness can be irrelevant at the box office for these ventures.
    Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 11 June 2025
Adjective
  • What the Fudan team achieved was an implant that worked without the external camera and without a power source.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 12 June 2025
  • Baroness Kennedy, who also serves as a lawmaker in the House of Lords, said Channel 4 should engage an external attorney to examine the agreements signed by former staffers who left the public service broadcaster amid an employment dispute.
    Jake Kanter, Deadline, 12 June 2025
Adjective
  • Is your motivation for doing well extrinsic or intrinsic?
    DP Opinion, Denver Post, 11 June 2025
  • It has been observed that extrinsic rewards can override intrinsic motivations over time.
    John Werner, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • Lauren Heller Since Sagittarians are willing to try anything once, the Fire sign resembles Lauren's adventitious persona.
    Lisa Stardust, People.com, 31 Mar. 2025
  • The patchy and adventitious quality of Jameson’s reconstruction must make clear his difference as a thinker.
    Mark Greif, Harper's Magazine, 26 July 2024
Adjective
  • The trauma Miami Dolphins fans experience isn’t accidental.
    Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 6 June 2025
  • The difference in these teams after this opening act — 80 minutes of often great, mostly white-knuckled hockey — was an accidental flip of the puck out of play for a two-minute penalty near the end of overtime.
    Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 5 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Extraneous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extraneous. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on extraneous

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