alien 1 of 3

Definition of aliennext

alien

2 of 3

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
Setting a standard Spielberg revolutionized the way Americans think about alien life. Alli Rosenbloom, CNN Money, 14 June 2026 Steven Spielberg’s latest alien opus topped the box office both internationally and domestically this weekend. Bethy Squires, Vulture, 14 June 2026
Noun
Galitzine is taking on the iconic role of Adam Glenn, an exiled alien on Earth who learns that the domineering villain Skeletor is terrorizing his home world of Eternia. Keith Langston, PEOPLE, 6 June 2026 In a year, LiPfe explants rebuilt themselves into alien-like translucent orbs with a large red cellular mass at their core. Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 29 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for alien
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alien
Adjective
  • South Florida Republican Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar is expressing skepticism over the Cuban government's announcement of sweeping economic reforms that would open key sectors of the island's economy to private and foreign investment.
    Ivan Taylor, CBS News, 20 June 2026
  • Paramount has petitioned the FCC to sign off on the foreign investment, as any foreign ownership stake above 25% requires agency approval.
    Ted Johnson, Deadline, 19 June 2026
Adjective
  • That's nice, but also irrelevant if the debtor is not resident in one of those states (and maybe not even then).
    Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026
  • No one wants to think about being replaced; no one wants to feel irrelevant in their own lives.
    R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 13 June 2026
Verb
  • But Schnur said the governor likely also has concerns about angering one of his biggest backers.
    Katie King, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2026
  • Meanwhile, Daemon, angered that his wife/niece is mad at him for orchestrating the brutal murder of a child, goes to the cursed castle of Harrenhal to claim it for their side — or perhaps to claim it for himself.
    Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 20 June 2026
Verb
  • Junior Kris Carranza has transferred from Sierra Canyon to Agoura and is a top candidate to start.
    Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2026
  • But instead of facing a criminal-court judge he was transferred to ICE custody and has remained there ever since.
    E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 20 June 2026
Noun
  • Farrell, who also narrates in a soft voice, often wears a look of shy incomprehension, as if a beat behind in translating the world around him, a stranger in a strange land.
    Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026
  • In Park Slope, fans ended the day the way many New Yorkers did, celebrating with strangers over a pint in a city painted blue and orange.
    Hannah Kliger, CBS News, 19 June 2026
Adjective
  • Emphasizing that self-worth comes from internal sources instead of external will also help kids deal with a myriad of confidence-bruising situations that may arise online, Hunt said.
    Sandra Gonzalez, CNN Money, 19 June 2026
  • True opportunities arise from understanding external factors like stock ownership, investor mandates and changing incentives.
    Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
Verb
  • Rank said perspectives on the American Dream have soured as people’s ability to achieve it has become ever more difficult over the last 50 years.
    Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 17 June 2026
  • The launch of the iPhone was also a period that marked a fleeting but powerful alliance between Google and Apple, before the relationship soured over Google’s decision to pursue its own line of smartphones.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 June 2026
Verb
  • Lula also pushed back against Washington’s concerns over China’s expanding economic footprint in Latin America, arguing that the United States has ceded ground through inaction.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 18 June 2026
  • Our research found growing concern that organizations are ceding entry-level work to AI systems while reducing opportunities for junior talent to build critical thinking, judgment and interpersonal skills over time.
    Jennie Glazer, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026

Cite this Entry

“Alien.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alien. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.

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