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

To an outsider who isn’t used to this tempo, city life can feel overwhelming and a lack of human connection can lead to loneliness against this massive concrete backdrop. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 15 Aug. 2026

As Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's politics have evolved — from combative outsider to pragmatic establishment leader — so, too, has her fashion sensibility. — ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026

Another 28% cited his outsider status and opposition to California’s political establishment. — Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 13 Aug. 2026

Hilton, a British immigrant and former Fox host, has campaigned as political outsider and change agent. — John Woolfolk, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 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