outsider

noun

out·​sid·​er ˌau̇t-ˈsī-dər 

ˈau̇t-ˌsī-

1

: a person who does not belong to a particular group

2

chiefly British : a contender not expected to win

outsiderness noun

Synonyms of outsider

• stranger
• foreigner

Examples of outsider in a Sentence

To outsiders, the ritual may seem strange.

She felt like an outsider in her new school.

An outsider defeated the champion!

She was a rank outsider who managed to win.

Recent Examples on the Web

When an outsider infiltrates the family, buried tensions surface and blood ties are severed. — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 24 July 2026

Celinda Lake, a Democratic pollster and consultant, said activists and voters have been willing to overlook potential vulnerabilities while supporting outsiders for office. — Jill Colvin, Fortune, 23 July 2026

There were several good sides at this tournament, with relative outsiders such as Denmark and the USSR becoming hugely popular for their positive football. — Michael Cox, New York Times, 23 July 2026

For most outsider observers, this was a sign that the SEC might be getting too much credit from the committee. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1800, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for outsider

• collider
• confider
• divider
• insider
• provider
• cider
• cyder
• eider
• glider
• hider
• rider
• schneider

Kids Definition

outsider

noun

out·​sid·​er (ˈ)au̇t-ˈsīd-ər 

: a person who does not belong to a particular group