exterior

adjective

ex·te·ri·or | \ ek-ˈstir-ē-ər

Definition of exterior

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : being on an outside surface : situated on the outside

2 : observable by outward signs his exterior quietness is belied by an occasional nervous twitch — Current Biography

3 : suitable for use on outside surfaces

exterior

noun

Definition of exterior (Entry 2 of 2)

1a : an exterior part or surface : outside

b : outward manner or appearance

2 : a representation (as on stage or film) of an outdoor scene also : a scene filmed outdoors

Other Words from exterior Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about exterior

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Synonyms & Antonyms for exterior

Synonyms: Adjective

external, outer, outside, outward

Synonyms: Noun

face, outside, shell, skin, surface, veneer

Antonyms: Adjective

inner, inside, interior, internal, inward

Antonyms: Noun

inside, interior

Examples of exterior in a Sentence

Adjective

the house's exterior walls badly need to be painted

Noun

The building has a rather plain exterior. the exterior of the tooth consists of very hard enamel

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

The scientists took 20-milligram samples of the interior and exterior surfaces of nine containers, ground them into powder and subjected them to gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. — Amina Khan, latimes.com, "Ancient drug paraphernalia reveals that people smoked pot in China 2,500 years ago," 12 June 2019 The show has filmed a handful of interior and exterior shots on the property, which was home to her character, Rayna Jaymes. — Blair Donovan, Country Living, "The Real-Life House Where Rayna Jaymes Lived on 'Nashville' Is for Sale," 18 May 2019 Outside, projections on the exterior steel of the hall, as architect Frank Gehry always intended, and a spectacular light show made the whole building look like a vibrating L.A. Phil mothership. — Mark Swed, latimes.com, "How the L.A. Phil centennial season delivered on the promise of unprecedented goods," 20 June 2019 Simpson also warns against coating the exterior side with dark-colored paint. — Washington Post, "This is what happens when someone slaps veneer on a century-old wood door," 17 June 2019 Along with the traditional exterior characteristics, the new interpretation featured modern elements including a more social-forward layout. — Lucia Tonelli, ELLE Decor, "What is a Cape Cod-Style House? Reasons to Love the Quintessential Look," 14 June 2019 The commission's approval is needed to make exterior changes, including adding new windows and balconies on the building's south side, said Todd Hutchison, one of the development group's owners. — Tom Daykin, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Historic former Schlitz tavern in Riverwest neighborhood to be converted into three condos under new proposal," 12 June 2019 There’s ways of soundproofing even exterior spaces. — Kevin Litten, nola.com, "Should downtown New Orleans limit music venues, outdoor dining? Study could lead to guidelines," 10 June 2019 The manager is excited to report that the first phase of exterior renovations is almost complete. — Christina Hyder, baltimoresun.com, "Renovations almost complete at Carroll Baldwin Hall," 7 June 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

The tidewater red cypress and brick exterior are a Wright trademark, and large patios provide plentiful space for indoor-outdoor entertaining. — Megan Barber, Curbed, "Nab this Frank Lloyd Wright Usonian in an upcoming auction," 9 July 2019 The siding had melted off the home's exterior, but the house was still intact. — Ryan Prior, CNN, "After fireworks catch a house on fire, three men rush to save a trapped woman," 5 July 2019 Ever since Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 passed the moon in the 80s, scientists have wondered about the moon-wide ocean that rests beneath an icy exterior. — David Grossman, Popular Mechanics, "Enceladus's Ocean Could Be Just the Right Age For Harboring Life," 3 July 2019 John Legend, Yusuf/Cat Stevens, Talib Kweli, Mahershala Ali and Issa Rae are among the artists, musicians and actors who have pledged their support to raise funds to restore the home’s exterior. — Gail Mitchell, Billboard, "John Legend, Yusuf/Cat Stevens and More Join Crusade to Restore Nina Simone's Childhood Home," 1 July 2019 Despite its imposing grand exterior, the interior is rather simple. — Rumela Basu, National Geographic, "Iceland’s tallest church was inspired by volcanoes," 27 June 2019 Connor Mill-Built Homes constructs prefabs with historically accurate exteriors but all the necessities of modern living. — Dan Neil, WSJ, "The Fantasy Utility Vehicle: A $300,000 Nostalgia Trip," 27 June 2019 The cup’s interior warms up and expands faster than the exterior. — Bridget Alex, Discover Magazine, "What Science Says About Why You're Stressed and How to Cope," 21 June 2019 The city’s Department of Building Inspection must approve changes to store exteriors as well as interior construction, and additional approvals may be required from the departments of Planning, Public Health, Fire and Public Works. — Shwanika Narayan, San Francisco Chronicle, "The historic San Francisco neighborhood is suddenly littered with empty storefronts. What’s the reason?," 13 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'exterior.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.