Definition of externalnext
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as in outer
situated on the outside or farther out the external chambers of the ancient tomb gave little indication of the magnificence of the innermost chamber

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 external That means the company can add multiple external AI services more quickly and potentially expand the use of AI across its operating systems without entering business discussions. Bloomberg, Mercury News, 27 Mar. 2026 Modeling focus as the distractions pile up The Refinitiv acquisition and Microsoft deal have been the most visible external expressions of Schwimmer’s strategic repositioning of LSEG, but the cultural shift required internally has been equally significant. Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 27 Mar. 2026 Unlike conventional systems that are often heavy and mechanically complex, this lightweight material responds to external stimuli such as heat. Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 26 Mar. 2026 The vision of a sweeping field of Disney content relied on multiple external partnerships worth billions of dollars. Tristan Bove, Fortune, 26 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for external
Recent Examples of Synonyms for external
Adjective
  • That authorization was broad and encompassed Gastineau’s name and likeness as reflected in extrinsic footage, such as that of the encounter with Favre.
    Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 17 Mar. 2026
  • Happiness means pursuing intrinsic rather than extrinsic goals One of the biggest lies that Old Happy tells us, Harrison explains, is that the pursuit of extrinsic goals and external approval — popularity, conformity, financial success, aesthetic beauty — is the key to happiness.
    Nina Zipkin, CNBC, 2 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Inside a sourdough bun was an egg square folded with veggies and a tangle of arugula; sesame seeds formed a crisp outer layer on the bun.
    Cesar Hernandez, San Francisco Chronicle, 28 Mar. 2026
  • Since then RTGs have flown on interplanetary missions including the Pioneer 10 and 11 and Voyager 1 and 2 spacecraft to the outer solar system, the New Horizons voyage to Pluto and beyond, the Viking 1 and 2 Mars landers, and the rovers Curiosity and Perseverance.
    Keith Cooper, Space.com, 27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • So, all of the other amazing things that'll happen on the way are irrelevant, if that doesn't go well.
    Elizabeth Howell, Space.com, 29 Mar. 2026
  • His running mate is irrelevant to matching funds.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The only commonalities the two shared were vaguely in shape, with the four-door GT getting up to 100 mph effortlessly, with virtually no exterior noise.
    Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Wheelbase and most exterior dimensions are unchanged.
    Mark Phelan, Freep.com, 31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Steyer told the outlet the funds existed to provide a vehicle for foreign investors rather than to dodge taxes.
    Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 28 Mar. 2026
  • North of Manila, Pampanga is referred to as the culinary heartland of the Philippines, offering unrivaled food experiences that marry indigenous cooking techniques and foreign influences.
    Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Over the past week, Dru Smith has been essential in a mix of three point guards and extraneous when only two at point were featured.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 15 Mar. 2026
  • Each has been given extraneous dramatic business, perhaps to balance the scales with Oliver and Ciara, and to underscore that this is a show about two sets of couples, their trust issues and their need for one another.
    Television Critic, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Although individual plants have a lifespan of 30-90 years, adventitious shoots grow up from roots.
    Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 5 July 2025
  • The patchy and adventitious quality of Jameson’s reconstruction must make clear his difference as a thinker.
    Mark Greif, Harper's Magazine, 26 July 2024
Adjective
  • The latest data leak is potentially more damaging to Anthropic than the earlier accidental exposure of the company’s draft blog post about its forthcoming model.
    Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Each accidental catch potentially removes an animal that was alive before the Industrial Revolution.
    Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 31 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“External.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/external. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.

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