EXTERNAL Synonyms: 43 Similar and Opposite Words

external

adjective

ek-ˈstər-nᵊl

Definition of external

as in extrinsic

not being a vital part of or belonging to something the defendant's socioeconomic status must be regarded as entirely external to his guilt or innocence

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in outer

situated on the outside or farther out the external chambers of the ancient tomb gave little indication of the magnificence of the innermost chamber

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 external In astrology, oppositions expose tension between two elemental forces, often through external circumstances or confrontations that make conflicted feelings impossible to ignore. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 20 July 2026 Existing soft robotic grippers usually rely on external cameras and additional sensors to detect and hold objects. — Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 20 July 2026 Experts agree that allowing external services to access Apple’s and Google’s operating systems could be dangerous for security and user privacy. — Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 19 July 2026 More importantly, the prototype still relies on external lasers, but the platform was designed with future integration in mind. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 19 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for external

Recent Examples of Synonyms for external

Adjective

Educational psychology provides a useful framework for understanding this phenomenon through the distinction between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation.

— Jason Benedict, Fortune, 7 July 2026
Extrinsic rewards, such as grades, do so because extrinsic desires tend to crowd out intrinsic ones.

— David Brooks, The Atlantic, 28 June 2026

Definition of extrinsic

Adjective

Those outer leaves have the most contact with soil, handling and other surfaces.

— Olivia LaBorde, AJC.com, 21 July 2026
The Port of Helsinki lists tram 6 as the public transit connection from the district, although passengers at the outer cruise berths should expect a 20 minute walk before reaching the stop.

— David Nikel, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

Definition of outer

Adjective

When Berk asked whether Farell was aware of allegations that Rivas had been violent toward Burke, the judge ruled the question irrelevant, and Farell did not answer.

— Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 27 July 2026
In a wide-ranging interview with The Economist, Musk told editor-in-chief Zanny Minton Beddoes that AI and robotics will produce such an abundance of goods and services by 2036 that money will become irrelevant.

— Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 27 July 2026

Definition of irrelevant

Adjective

The normal bark texture of the tree will be on the exterior surface of the burl.

— Pamm Cooper, Hartford Courant, 25 July 2026
Wide teak decks, forward observation seating and heated exterior spaces make spending long periods outdoors comfortable even in Arctic conditions.

— Dea Jusufi, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026

Definition of exterior

Adjective

Camp David is a presidential retreat in Maryland that is also used to host foreign dignitaries.

— Jeremy Diamond, CNN Money, 31 July 2026
Roughly 90% of foreign-exchange transactions involve the dollar; the alternatives — gold, Treasuries, the euro — trail far behind.

— Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 30 July 2026

Definition of foreign

Adjective

Had Ponce been found guilty of one murder at trial, with evidence of the other presented in the punishment phase as an extraneous event, a jury or judge would have considered a prison punishment range of five to 99 years, or life.

— Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 July 2026
The objection also alleged that some ballot petitions contained extraneous marks or otherwise failed to meet state requirements.

— A.J. Herrington, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

Definition of extraneous

Adjective

These brands sought deep operational integration and audience engagement, contrasting with non-sponsors who gained accidental publicity from FIFA's strict clean-stadium rules.

— Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
The accidental discharge by the officer will be reviewed internally, the New London Police Department said.

— Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 26 July 2026