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

Pratt has emphasized issues such as homelessness, public safety and government spending throughout his campaign, positioning himself as a political outsider challenging the status quo in Los Angeles and drawing support from voters dissatisfied with current leadership. —Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 11 May 2026

The bureau has allowed a handful of visits from outsiders, such as politicians and journalists, over its history. —Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 11 May 2026

The coach of the team, Tarrant, an irascible, former Marine, allowed outsiders to come watch practice. —Joe Vardon, New York Times, 11 May 2026

As tensions and secrets, erupt under one roof, Alice must navigate her dysfunctional family and a dangerously compelling outsider to claim what’s at stake. —Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 9 May 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