alien 1 of 3

alien

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verb

alien

3 of 3

noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word alien different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of alien are extraneous, extrinsic, and foreign. While all these words mean "external to a thing, its essential nature, or its original character," alien is stronger than foreign in suggesting opposition, repugnance, or irreconcilability.

a practice totally alien to her nature

In what contexts can extraneous take the place of alien?

The synonyms extraneous and alien are sometimes interchangeable, but extraneous applies to what is on or comes from the outside and may or may not be capable of becoming an essential part.

arguments extraneous to the issue

When is it sensible to use extrinsic instead of alien?

While in some cases nearly identical to alien, extrinsic applies to what is distinctly outside the thing in question or is not contained in or derived from its essential nature.

sentimental value that is extrinsic to the house's market value

When could foreign be used to replace alien?

The words foreign and alien are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, foreign applies to what is so different as to be rejected or repelled or to be incapable of becoming assimilated.

techniques foreign to French cuisine

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of alien
Adjective
Laurence Fishburne voiced the titular anti-hero, a shiny alien who heralds the coming of Galactus, the Devourer of Worlds. Dale Obbie, Vulture, 23 July 2025 In the comics, the character was a soulful alien with a totally rad interstellar surfboard and a lot of existential ennui. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 22 July 2025
Verb
But children in danger seems to be a new superhero trend: Superman recently featured a scene in which the hero played by David Corenswet must hold an alien baby aloft in a time-bending stream of death. Eliana Dockterman, Time, 25 July 2025 Unbeknownst to all, a xenomorph is on the ship… and so are a bunch of brand new alien creatures. Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 25 July 2025
Noun
But even that description fails to capture what Yagi is after: those parts of us, precious and possibly hostile, which flower in darkness, disintegrate when described, and can be compared only to alien life-forms. Katy Waldman, The New Yorker, 8 Aug. 2022 Neanderthal to alien, and yet strangely well-suited for the modern era. Nick Remsen, CNN, 30 Sep. 2021 See All Example Sentences for alien
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alien
Adjective
  • So in many other ways, the sounds and sights of their household were foreign to us.
    Mankaprr Conteh, Rolling Stone, 22 July 2025
  • Beijing has long worried that the US could undermine the Chinese economy by choking off its supply of foreign oil, and has poured investment both into reviving domestic production and electrifying its economy, especially transport.
    Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 22 July 2025
Adjective
  • The idea of four years on a residential campus may feel either inaccessible or irrelevant.
    Catherine Wehlburg, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025
  • Of course, companies routinely make $1.5 billion five-year deals to renew shows, which are unpopular and irrelevant, that’s how business works.
    James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 24 July 2025
Verb
  • The group invited those angered by rollbacks on things such as voting rights, essential services and free speech to join them July 17, the fifth anniversary of Lewis’ death.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 17 July 2025
  • Bondi has become a target for Trump’s supporters angered by the DOJ’s decision not to release the files, with some calling for her ouster.
    Sara Dorn, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
Verb
  • More than 1,800 files were transferred after Gong had already accepted a position with one of the company's competitors.
    Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 July 2025
  • Griner was transferred to a Russian penal colony roughly 300 miles outside of Moscow after being sentenced to nine years in prison.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 23 July 2025
Noun
  • The viral video, with just under a half a million views, led commenters to share their own experiences of comforting strangers.
    Colson Thayer, People.com, 22 July 2025
  • On Sunday, Lovett Moore’s family and friends, volunteers, strangers and clergy from as far away as the Bay Area began their search once again, gathering near the Arena Boulevard gas station where the legally blind and disabled Natomas man was last seen.
    Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 21 July 2025
Adjective
  • Hamilton only plans to use pre-1970 Minis for CCT builds, which means sliding side windows and external door hinges for a reassuringly retro look.
    Tim Pitt, Robb Report, 30 July 2025
  • To support this, organizations should map their internal resources and skill sets to find the right balance between in-sourcing and out-sourcing, depending on where internal expertise resides and where external partnerships may be more efficient.
    Sander Barens, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025
Verb
  • July 15, 2025 This multi-state strike stems from souring contract negotiations between the greater Boston Teamsters Local 25 and Republic Services.
    Sophie Clark, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 July 2025
  • But Republicans’ perception of Musk also soured while his tenure as Trump’s chief cost-cutter ended in flames.
    Derek Saul, Forbes.com, 4 July 2025
Verb
  • Democrats have accused their Republican colleagues of ceding that power to the president with measures like the recent spending cuts, as well as a sweeping tax, spending and policy bill passed earlier in July at Trump's urging.
    Savannah Kuchar, USA Today, 19 July 2025
  • In court filings, Pryor anticipated, and attempted to quell, the timing problem by arguing he was required to cede control of his NIL in perpetuity.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 19 July 2025

Cite this Entry

“Alien.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alien. Accessed 2 Aug. 2025.

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