otherness

noun

oth·​er·​ness ˈə-t͟hər-nəs How to pronounce otherness (audio)
Synonyms of othernessnext
1
: the quality or state of being other or different
2
: something that is other or different

Examples of otherness in a Sentence

As an American growing up in Africa, I always felt a sense of otherness. the otherness of their small religious community
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
But Jack’s otherness also worked against him. Joyce Johnson, New Yorker, 23 May 2026 Starring Renate Reinsve and an unrecognizable Sebastian Stan as the couple at the center of the storm, the film is a nuanced reflection on otherness and how anyone failing to conform to the values of a community invites distrust. David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 22 May 2026 Maintaining the otherness of different people is a mark of dignity and respect for them and for oneself. Tim Brinkhof, JSTOR Daily, 22 Apr. 2026 Instead, otroverts—who often appear extroverted, Kaminski says—are defined by a feeling of otherness. Jamie Friedlander Serrano, Time, 13 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for otherness

Word History

First Known Use

1587, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of otherness was in 1587

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Otherness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/otherness. Accessed 30 May. 2026.

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