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 Most bands’ B-sides were random live tracks, extraneous remixes, or goofing off in the studio — and Oasis did engage in a bit of that — but Oasis also famously burned off a number of instant classics as B-sides as if to prove this band was definitely no flash in the pan. Jesse Adams, The Washington Examiner, 19 Sep. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for extraneous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for extraneous
Adjective
  • But that’s irrelevant now — because these Phillies drew the defending champs.
    Jayson Stark, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Factionalism, doctrine, ground rules, justifications are, in Anderson’s film, irrelevant, meaning that French 75’s actions take place in an intellectual void.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Cryptocurrency is stored in a digital wallet, which can be online, on a computer or on an external hard drive, according to the Federal Trade Commission.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Formal equality was only achieved in 1971, when the Ministry of Justice authorized women to serve in external police duties, and the National Police Board ended the experimental program.
    Isadora Wandermurem, Time, 3 Oct. 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
  • On sale for $14, this hanging toiletry bag is big enough to hold all of your skincare, haircare, and makeup essentials while protecting your clothes from accidental spills.
    Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 7 Oct. 2025
  • The three victims' deaths were ruled accidental, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.
    David Chiu, PEOPLE, 6 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Extraneous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extraneous. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on extraneous

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