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
Peter isn’t just unprepared to care for a child; the idea of children is almost alien to him. Alison Willmore, Vulture, 15 May 2026 Rooms The 14 villas are a masterclass in raw materiality—brick, concrete, clay, and sand, all sourced locally, stacked into forms that feel simultaneously ancient and alien. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 May 2026
Noun
As people stream into a theater advertising the world premiere of the HungryGhost, a giant alien begins to wander into the frame. Erin Qualey, Vulture, 6 May 2026 Phrases like alien to the species were repeated to describe Jews. Literary Hub, 27 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for alien
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alien
Adjective
  • But its exports – which generated $861 million last year – are also a major source of revenue and foreign currency.
    Helen Regan, CNN Money, 16 May 2026
  • Lee-Kim is happier to discuss the studio’s ability to pivot to foreign-language titles and to build relationships with foreign filmmakers.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 15 May 2026
Adjective
  • Without it, the risk isn’t lagging behind but becoming irrelevant.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
  • And Thursday night’s performance, while not wholly irrelevant, was just another television rerun broadcast to a less-than-mass audience.
    Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • Set in 1986, the story follows two brothers, Irwin and Gary Pearl, whose get-rich scheme to help clean up the Gowanus Canal ends in disaster after Irwin (Teller), a nebbish family man, angers Russian mobsters by unwittingly witnessing their criminal activity.
    Brent Lang, Variety, 16 May 2026
  • The delay angered rural Republicans, who wanted to see the farm bill passed.
    Hailey Bullis, The Washington Examiner, 13 May 2026
Verb
  • The bright spots Saturday, at least in the early stages, was the play of the Evans defense, new quarterback Will Jackson and transfer running backs O’Ryan Hartfield, from Ocoee, and Davion Williams, from Poinciana.
    Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 May 2026
  • The sentiment transfers well to potato salad.
    Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 17 May 2026
Noun
  • Look, America’s not a stranger to one party winning the popular vote and losing the election.
    Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 15 May 2026
  • Harris also shows us the burn scars that ripple up Racine’s arm and across Anaia’s face, textured skin that makes strangers blanch, to which Racine lashes out defensively.
    Katie Walsh, Boston Herald, 15 May 2026
Adjective
  • In addition to these external influences, Dini emphasized that long-term domestic instability has left Somalia’s coastline vulnerable, weakening local institutions and lowering the risks for pirate networks.
    Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 15 May 2026
  • Once the two halves are equipped and welded together, vacuum pumps will remove the air to create an environment similar to outer space, providing the structural support necessary to withstand external air pressure.
    Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • Still, for reasons not fully understood, the talks soured.
    Rick Jervis, USA Today, 13 May 2026
  • The Bombers’ night began to sour in the seventh when Weathers allowed a leadoff single to Adley Rutschman.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 12 May 2026
Verb
  • After the fallout over the Epstein files’ revelations on Mandelson, Rayner led a lawmakers’ revolt to force the government to cede control to Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee to decide which documents should be released into the public domain.
    ABC News, ABC News, 14 May 2026
  • Backemeyer raised more than $350,000 to win his primary, suggesting the party is unlikely to cede the field.
    David Weigel, semafor.com, 14 May 2026

Cite this Entry

“Alien.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alien. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

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