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 Others have a negative connotation, viewing them as extraneous measures for pet projects that balloon congressional spending. Lisa Hagen, Hartford Courant, 20 Aug. 2025 Even a little extraneous light, however, can interfere with this process. Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 8 Aug. 2025 Powell quickly read the document and then dismissed it as containing an extraneous line item. Tobias Burns, The Hill, 30 July 2025 Without the extraneous nuisance of hair, his head felt lighter, as if a heavy burden of worry had been lifted. Hazlitt, 16 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for extraneous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for extraneous
Adjective
  • Getty Images The album might seem irrelevant to a majority of music listeners, who now go for individual tracks and make playlists on their favorite streaming service.
    Steve Baltin, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
  • The question of whether or not Uniqlo is fast fashion or sustainable fashion or ethical fashion has perhaps become irrelevant in a world in which fashion—no modifier needed—is increasingly culpable for the ravaging of the planet.
    Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Scientists also revealed that a breakthrough allows ULIS to function wirelessly, as an isolated unit that can be controlled and monitored without external cables.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 13 Sep. 2025
  • This includes the emotional well-being of the individual as well as the immediate external environment; their home.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 13 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
  • Siri has been making accidental phone calls for us since 2012.
    Gelila, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Warner died unexpectedly in July from an accidental drowning in Costa Rica.
    Jessica Wang, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Extraneous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extraneous. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

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