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alien

adjective

Synonyms and Antonyms of alien

1 being, relating to, or characteristic of a country other than one's own
  • a traveler observing alien customs
Synonyms of alien

foreign, nonnative
Words Related to alien

imported, introduced, naturalized, transplanted

external, international, multicultural, multilateral, multinational

foreign-born, nonindigenous

distant, far-off, overseas, remote

bizarre, exotic, outlandish, strange
Near Antonyms of alien

endemic, local

aboriginal, indigenous
Antonyms of alien

domestic, native
2 not being a vital part of or belonging to something
  • It's completely alien to her nature to wish evil on anyone.
Synonyms of alien

accidental, external, extraneous, extrinsic, foreign
Words Related to alien

exterior, outside

immaterial, inapplicable, insignificant, irrelevant

nonessential, unessential, unnecessary
Near Antonyms of alien

congenital, deep-seated, inborn, inbred

inside, interior, internal

basic, essential, necessary
Antonyms of alien

inherent, innate, intrinsic

Synonym Discussion of alien

extrinsic, extraneous, foreign, alien mean external to a thing, its essential nature, or its original character. 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
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
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
alien is stronger than foreign in suggesting opposition, repugnance, or irreconcilability.
    • a practice totally alien to her nature

Learn More about alien

  1. Dictionary: Definition of alien Spanish Central: Translation of alien Nglish: Translation of alien for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of alien for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about alien

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