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
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
Among the most exciting new releases this month are candid celebrity memoirs from a sitcom star and a 1980s East Village impresario; novels that explore outsider perspectives; and a father-son true story that speaks to a powerful if often cryptic bond.
—
Hamilton Cain, Time, 3 Mar. 2026
The slate to replace her is diverse, reflecting the broader region, as both longtime politicians and a handful of outsiders have proven competitive.
—Olivia Olander, Chicago Tribune, 3 Mar. 2026
These suggestions are just a starting point, of course — with an emphasis on recent works made by Iranians themselves, rather than by outsiders looking in.
—Anastasia Tsioulcas, NPR, 3 Mar. 2026
Government outsiders, effectively the state’s entire population, have no way or means of knowing.
—Sam Meas, Boston Herald, 2 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for outsider
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Hamilton Cain, Time, 3 Mar. 2026
The slate to replace her is diverse, reflecting the broader region, as both longtime politicians and a handful of outsiders have proven competitive.
—Olivia Olander, Chicago Tribune, 3 Mar. 2026
These suggestions are just a starting point, of course — with an emphasis on recent works made by Iranians themselves, rather than by outsiders looking in.
—Anastasia Tsioulcas, NPR, 3 Mar. 2026
Government outsiders, effectively the state’s entire population, have no way or means of knowing.
—Sam Meas, Boston Herald, 2 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for outsider
Cite this Entry
“Outsider.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outsider. Accessed 7 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
outsider
noun
out·sid·er
(ˈ)au̇t-ˈsīd-ər
: a person who does not belong to a particular group
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