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

Also, the building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, making major exterior changes less likely. — Tim Logan, BostonGlobe.com, "YW (formerly the YWCA) could reap $50m in sale of its Back Bay building," 12 June 2019 There, investigators took exterior security cameras as part of their investigation. — Christina Hall, Detroit Free Press, "Judge orders Macomb County prosecutor to provide documents from office raid," 10 June 2019 For exterior stone walls, keeping them in good repair will ensure the beauty and elegance of your home’s landscaping. — Ap Mcclatchy, The Mercury News, "Angie’s List: How to improve your curb appeal," 3 June 2019 Teaser sketches of the real thing show that most of these same exterior styling cues will translate to the production car, while the interior sketches suggest an attractive, upscale cabin with a large 10.3-inch touchscreen on the dashboard. — Joey Capparella, Car and Driver, "Kia Is Working on a New Small SUV, and It's Likely to Come to the U.S.," 23 May 2019 Common exterior building materials range from brick and stone to stucco and wood siding. — Monique Valeris, ELLE Decor, "The True Beauty of Craftsman-Style Homes," 14 May 2019 On the exterior side, three sets of double French doors lead out to a wide bluestone balcony. — Judy Rose, Detroit Free Press, "Modern addition gives this 90-year-old Birmingham home a dramatic flair," 29 June 2018 These spaces are intended for everyone, and pay the same attention to simple design, balanced nuance and act as a throughway between the interior and exterior world. — Vanessa Lawrence, ELLE Decor, "Atelier Ace's New New York City Hotel Wants to Help You Clear Your Head," 14 May 2019 While interior stenciling was extremely popular, exterior stenciling was rare. — Cator Sparks, House Beautiful, "The Fascinating History Behind This Moorish-Style Home in Upstate New York," 3 May 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

The city, conversely, is responsible for the building’s exterior. — Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, "Timken Museum lease agreement sets precedent for Balboa Park institutions," 4 June 2019 The Cottonland Castle was modeled after a small German castle near the Rhine River with white sandstone and some limestone on the exterior. — Taylor Mead, House Beautiful, "Joanna and Chip Gaines Just Purchased Cottonland Castle in Waco, Texas," 25 Feb. 2019 While the building’s exterior is in the final throes of a restoration project—with the addition of, Apple has promised, only subtle company signage—most changes are actually happening inside. — Andrew Zaleski, Curbed, "Can Apple stores be public spaces?," 3 Oct. 2018 The latest version features four interior cameras (not wanting to complicate installation by requiring exterior cameras), which allows IVO to understand its environment and see objects, vehicles, and pedestrians around it. — Erin Biba, Popular Mechanics, "Robot, You Can Drive My Car," 8 Aug. 2018 In the center of the scene, flood lights from a hazmat fire truck illuminated the building’s exterior as teams continued their investigation. — Alejandro Serrano, BostonGlobe.com, "At least 20 people hospitalized after Salem hazmat situation," 25 June 2018 Everything is set back from the building’s glass exterior, creating 622-foot-long corridors that look out onto the historic campus, and the floors are flooded with natural light. — Rick Tetzeli, Fortune, "GM Gets Ready for a Post-Car Future," 23 May 2018 Councilman Treg Bernt asked whether the building’s exterior could be designed to be more aesthetically appealing than the Boise and Nampa stores. — John Sowell, idahostatesman, "Foes and friends spoke for 6 hours. Finally, Meridian’s City Council ruled on Costco. | Idaho Statesman," 4 Apr. 2018 There’s no strict dress code for visitors, but photography is limited to the building’s exterior. — Kai Oliver-kurtin, USA TODAY, "Eight ways to experience Asia in Vancouver," 15 Feb. 2018

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.