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

Following their hot Sundance title Sasquatch Sunset, David and Nathan Zellner arrive in the Great White North with a sci-fi comedy about alien invaders, hellbent to conquer Earth, but in the form of a 1950s biker gang. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 10 Sep. 2026

At the Science Museum in London, fans hope to set a Guinness World Record for the most people performing the Vulcan Salute — a greeting made famous by Star Trek's beloved half-human, half-alien character Spock. — Mandalit Del Barco, NPR, 8 Sep. 2026

Noun

The alien needs salt to survive, and the couple’s supply is running low, so the alien drains all of it from a poor Enterprise crew member’s body, and then a couple more who are beamed down later. — Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 8 Sep. 2026

Scarpa is a fascinating alien in rural Mississippi, a slab of Italian American muscle who stands outside the racial divide. — ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026