on the outside
idiom
1
: on the outer side, edge, or surface of something
The number 22 car tried to pass the leader on the outside (of the track).
2
baseball
: on the side of home plate farthest from the batter
The next pitch was a fastball on the outside.
3
—used to describe someone's appearance
I might seem calm on the outside, but I'm actually really nervous.
4
: not in prison
He looked forward to life on the outside again.
Examples of on the outside in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The Rangers, among others, on the outside looking in, still have 65 games remaining in the season.
—
Alyssa Cooper, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 July 2025
There were plenty left on the outside though, including Squid Game.
—Taylor Wilson, USA Today, 16 July 2025
While the table has a woven rattan appearance on the outside, it’s actually made from resin and polypropylene, which is far more durable than real wicker.
—Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 16 July 2025
Although this Fortress looked huge on the outside, scenes of the inside mostly consisted of an icy cavern, featuring holograms to advance the plot.
—Daryl Baxter, Space.com, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for on the outside
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.
Alyssa Cooper, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 July 2025
There were plenty left on the outside though, including Squid Game.
—Taylor Wilson, USA Today, 16 July 2025
While the table has a woven rattan appearance on the outside, it’s actually made from resin and polypropylene, which is far more durable than real wicker.
—Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 16 July 2025
Although this Fortress looked huge on the outside, scenes of the inside mostly consisted of an icy cavern, featuring holograms to advance the plot.
—Daryl Baxter, Space.com, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for on the outside
Cite this Entry
“On the outside.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/on%20the%20outside. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share