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 In an environment full of dangers, natural selection favors those who can detect meaning from a plethora of extraneous information. Literary Hub, 8 Sep. 2025 The recent economic downturn has forced consumers to cut extraneous costs like adult content subscriptions. Jasmine Mithani, Them., 3 Sep. 2025 Maybe that’s why, compared with some other kinds of nitpickers, pop critics can seem especially extraneous. Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2025 Rather than creating a new expression with cask finishing or extraneous flavorings, the distillery sought to make a whiskey that celebrates their land. Don Tse, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for extraneous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for extraneous
Adjective
  • There is this constant projection from bad-faith actors, who find the truth irrelevant to their desires to rhetorically position the work that artists are doing—and even reality itself.
    Helen Molesworth, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2025
  • My teaching skills were basically irrelevant.
    Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The company said its decision were not influenced by government agencies or external individuals.
    Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Each unit is expected to cost around USD 35,000, uses 850-1,000 watts (W) of energy, and doesn’t require an external computer to operate.
    Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Those new to options trading should understand basic terms (e.g., premiums, extrinsic and intrinsic value, moneyness) and know the Greeks (measurements of an option’s sensitivity to various factors).
    Michael Martin, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025
  • Is your motivation for doing well extrinsic or intrinsic?
    DP Opinion, Denver Post, 11 June 2025
Adjective
  • Although individual plants have a lifespan of 30-90 years, adventitious shoots grow up from roots.
    Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 5 July 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 Power of Good Love Since the accidental confession, the couple has moved in together and their relationship has flourished.
    Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025
  • However, Ledger tragically died of an accidental overdose before the film's release.
    Sophie Dodd, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Extraneous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extraneous. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

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