as in distinctiveness
the quality or state of being different
from an early age he could sense that there was an otherness about him—he was somehow different from the other kids
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of otherness
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
There’s a lot of ways to tackle otherness and discrimination.
—
Destiny Jackson,
Deadline,
10 Jan. 2026
While Monster luxuriated in Gein’s unraveling mind, showcasing his otherness with sequences of Gein dancing with spinning chainsaws and posing in his skin suit, Devil in Disguise is all the more effective for emphasizing Gacy’s ability to go unnoticed.
—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
16 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for otherness
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
There’s a lot of ways to tackle otherness and discrimination.
—
Destiny Jackson,
Deadline,
10 Jan. 2026
While Monster luxuriated in Gein’s unraveling mind, showcasing his otherness with sequences of Gein dancing with spinning chainsaws and posing in his skin suit, Devil in Disguise is all the more effective for emphasizing Gacy’s ability to go unnoticed.
—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
16 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for otherness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for otherness
Noun
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For these students, the expanding suite of standard sports offerings—including baseball, football, cheerleading and basketball—enliven the school community and add to its distinctiveness in the state’s growing microschool landscape.
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Cheuk urged directors to lean into their creative distinctiveness.
Noun
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How can the sense of an absolute union of all matter be reconciled with the endless multiplicity and distinctness of it?
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However, a few hours with Air Riders reveals the nuance and depth of its gameplay, the distinctness of this flavor of racing game and its sensory, chaotic, and strategic appeal.
Noun
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There may be some differences between the audio and the text.
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Heavy Cream The biggest difference between half-and-half and heavy cream is the amount of fat.
Noun
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Throughout the night, the hosts will welcome special guests, including cultural icons and everyday Americans whose stories reflect the country's history and diversity.
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Any event that brings people together in a community with diversity is needed.
Noun
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The film carries a further distinction as one of the first war features shot entirely in Bali.
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It is earned through transparency, verification, and a clear distinction between fact, inference, and speculation.
Noun
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The conditions are a stark contrast to the nation's bicentennial celebration in Washington in 1976, when the high temperature reached 84 degrees and the low dipped to 65 degrees, according to Department of Commerce data.
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Allen also recommends avoiding light grout lines at all costs to prevent a stark contrast.
Cite this Entry
“Otherness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/otherness. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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