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

• foreigner
• nonnative
• outlander
• stranger

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

Host Blake Burman asked him about political outsider ESPN host Stephen A. Smith, who has thrown around the idea of running in the 2028 election. —Lauren Irwin, The Hill, 1 May 2025

Analysts say there's a pattern of both countries escalating and waiting for outsiders to diffuse the situation. —Brittney Melton, NPR, 1 May 2025

But the outsiders looking in might wonder, can anyone participate in fisting? —Quispe López, Them., 30 Apr. 2025

The Liberals, by contrast, passed over Trudeau’s deputy prime minister and elevated Mark Carney, a respected political outsider unencumbered by Trudeau’s baggage. —Daniel Block, The Atlantic, 29 Apr. 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