foreign

foreign

adjective

Definition of FOREIGN

1

being, relating to, or characteristic of a country other than one's own <more Americans should take an interest in foreign languages>

Synonyms alien, nonnative

Related Words imported, introduced, naturalized, transplanted; external, international, multiculti, multicultural, multilateral, multinational; foreign-born, nonindigenous; distant, far-off, overseas, remote; bizarre, exotic, outlandish, strange

Near Antonyms endemic, local; aboriginal, indigenous

Antonyms domestic, native

2

not being a vital part of or belonging to something <pediatricians often have to remove peas or other foreign bodies from inside the ears of curious toddlers>

Synonyms accidental, adventitious, alien, extraneous, external, foreign, supervenient

Related Words exterior, outside; immaterial, inapplicable, insignificant, irrelevant; nonessential, unessential, unnecessary

Near Antonyms congenital, deep-seated, inborn, inbred; inside, interior, internal; basic, essential, necessary

Antonyms inherent, innate, intrinsic

3

relating to or involving two or more nations <foreign trade has always been vital to the region's economic health>

Synonyms foreign, multinational, transnational

Related Words intercontinental, transcontinental

Near Antonyms domestic, internal, national