Synonyms of alien

alien 1 of 3

adjective

ˈā-lē-ən 

1

as in foreign

being, relating to, or characteristic of a country other than one's own

they were careful to learn of any alien business customs before trying to expand overseas

Synonyms & Similar Words

• foreign
• international
• imported
• nonnative
• external
• introduced
• multicultural
• exotic
• naturalized
• overseas
• multinational
• transplanted
• foreign-born
• multilateral
• nonindigenous
• strange
• bizarre
• distant
• multiculti
• outlandish
• far-off
• remote

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• domestic
• native
• local
• indigenous
• endemic
• aboriginal

2

as in irrelevant

not being a vital part of or belonging to something

it's completely alien to her nature to wish evil of anyone

Synonyms & Similar Words

• irrelevant
• foreign
• external
• adventitious
• extrinsic
• accidental
• extraneous
• supervenient
• exterior
• unnecessary
• inapplicable
• immaterial
• outside
• insignificant
• nonessential
• unessential

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• inherent
• intrinsic
• innate
• congenital
• internal
• basic
• interior
• inbred
• inside
• necessary
• essential
• deep-seated
• inborn

alien

2 of 3

verb

1

as in to anger

to cause to change from friendly or loving to unfriendly or uncaring

such angry outbursts will rapidly alien any friends you might possibly have left

Synonyms & Similar Words

• anger
• sour
• infuriate
• alienate
• estrange
• outrage
• sever
• disaffect
• annoy
• enrage
• disgruntle
• antagonize
• irritate
• bother
• aggravate
• disappoint
• divide
• bug
• embitter
• split
• dissociate
• separate
• disunite
• rile
• incense
• disillusion
• roil
• rankle
• vex
• inflame
• madden
• sunder
• irk
• exasperate
• envenom
• unyoke
• uncouple
• unlink
• break up
• pique
• grate
• disenchant
• chafe
• gall
• nettle
• peeve

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• reconcile
• appease
• placate
• disarm
• conciliate
• ingratiate
• pacify
• endear
• propitiate
• mollify

2

as in to transfer

to give over the legal possession or ownership of

the couple plans to alien the adjoining house lot to their eldest son

Synonyms & Similar Words

• transfer
• cede
• convey
• relinquish
• assign
• deed
• pass (down)
• alienate
• lend
• donate
• dispose of
• bequeath
• leave
• lease
• grant
• rent
• make over
• present
• will
• move
• loan
• transmit
• surrender
• contribute
• hand down
• turn in
• vest
• entrust
• pass
• bestow
• trust
• confer
• commit
• turn over
• hand over
• commend
• yield
• release
• deliver
• consign
• let

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• expropriate

alien

3 of 3

noun

as in stranger

Related Words

• stranger
• nonresident
• foreigner
• outsider
• outcast
• nonnative
• outlander
• pariah
• wanderer
• drifter
• transient

Dissimilar Words

• familiar
• native
• friend
• intimate
• pal
• buddy
• chum
• partner
• comrade
• fellow
• acquaintance
• confidant
• resident
• companion
• associate
• citizen
• colleague
• mate
• peer
• inhabitant
• cohort
• hearty
• crony
• hobnobber
• habitant

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

Recent Examples of alien

Adjective

The narrative centers on the residents of a remote, isolated harbor village who discover a mysterious alien entity on the outskirts of their town, quickly turning their quiet community into a desperate battleground for human survival. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 20 July 2026

This is the notion, endlessly propagated online, that white populations in modern Western countries are being replaced by brown and Black alien populations, and that this replacement is a project — commonly attributed to Jews. — Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2026

Noun

Sugar season one was recontextualized by the massive twist that John is actually an alien. — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 13 July 2026

Gradually, though, dubby hand percussion rises up from the deep, and soon a truculent, alien-sounding riff and loping dancehall cadence spin the compass point back toward Batu’s Bristol. — Philip Sherburne, Pitchfork, 6 July 2026