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 As a result, pistols were carried either with a dedicated external safety catch engaged to stop the hammer from falling or with the hammer deliberately lowered to a safe position. Simon Akam, Vanity Fair, 2 Apr. 2026 That's because food, whose pricing is generally more volatile than other goods consumers purchase, is reliant on a number of external factors to keep costs low. Garrett Downs, CNBC, 2 Apr. 2026 Recent reporting has shown how quickly external shocks can move through apparel production. Assef Shaikh, Footwear News, 2 Apr. 2026 This approach removes the need for external stabilizing components. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 2 Apr. 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
  • As Prince of Wales, Charles has traveled to stateside 19 times, including with Camilla on what was their first foreign tour as husband and wife in 2005.
    Simon Perry, PEOPLE, 3 Apr. 2026
  • At that time, Andrew allegedly shared government itineraries, investment plans and notes from official foreign trips with Epstein.
    Ava Berger, NPR, 3 Apr. 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 4 Apr. 2026.

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