outsider

noun

out·​sid·​er ˌau̇t-ˈsī-dər 

ˈau̇t-ˌsī-

1

: a person who does not belong to a particular group

2

chiefly British : a contender not expected to win

outsiderness noun

Synonyms of outsider

• stranger
• foreigner

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

The decision drew some criticism, with both residents and outsiders questioning why the community would celebrate such a tragic event. — Michelle Oliva-Espinosa, Kansas City Star, 18 July 2026

Val is tough, having to determine as an outsider this possibility. — David John Chávez, Mercury News, 17 July 2026

And the Democrat noted that while other states seemed interested in younger candidates who might be perceived as outsiders, California Democrats backed a veteran politician in Xavier Becerra. — Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 17 July 2026

When elites are strong, dictators need to accommodate them, often by repressing outsiders to shield insiders from potential challenges. — José Kaire, The Conversation, 17 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1800, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for outsider

• collider
• confider
• divider
• insider
• provider
• cider
• cyder
• eider
• glider
• hider
• rider
• schneider

Kids Definition

outsider

noun

out·​sid·​er (ˈ)au̇t-ˈsīd-ər 

: a person who does not belong to a particular group