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

With Interview With a Vampire and The Vampire Lestat, Rice brought new life to the undead, presenting vampires as sympathetic, lonely outsiders dwelling in the shadows of world history. —Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Nov. 2025

And although most outsiders see the divisive political climate at this time in history as putting humor on trial, Gaffigan looks at it differently. —Rosemary Rossi, Variety, 9 Nov. 2025

Those dynamics in the party — between young and old, insiders and outsiders — will be at play in the race to replace Pelosi that’s already heading up. —Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2025

Some are invite-only, but others in Vidigal or Rocinha welcome outsiders through local tour companies. —Aaron Randolph, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2025

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