Definition of externalnext
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as in outer
situated on the outside or farther out the external chambers of the ancient tomb gave little indication of the magnificence of the innermost chamber

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 external Greifinger, the correctional health expert, said the sheriff’s office should commission an independent mortality review to study whether any jail operations, staffing or other shortcomings are exacerbating external factors and resulting in preventable deaths. Dallas Morning News, 19 Mar. 2026 Wang, however, projects each of these choice from deep within, crafting a character who’s both uncomfortable with his reactions to people, emotions and external stimuli, but is, at this point in his life, also unfortunately used to his discomforts, and begrudgingly accepts them. Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 18 Mar. 2026 The videos were discovered on an external hard drive on McClain’s desk at the residence, according to the affidavit. City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026 The best one for its ease of use and accuracy is the GCA-03W Geiger Counter Nuclear Radiation Detection Monitor, which comes with a digital meter and external wand. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 18 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for external
Recent Examples of Synonyms for external
Adjective
  • That authorization was broad and encompassed Gastineau’s name and likeness as reflected in extrinsic footage, such as that of the encounter with Favre.
    Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 17 Mar. 2026
  • Happiness means pursuing intrinsic rather than extrinsic goals One of the biggest lies that Old Happy tells us, Harrison explains, is that the pursuit of extrinsic goals and external approval — popularity, conformity, financial success, aesthetic beauty — is the key to happiness.
    Nina Zipkin, CNBC, 2 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Footage from Israel's emergency service showed a large crater next to what appeared to be apartment buildings with outer walls sheared away.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 22 Mar. 2026
  • Footage from Israel's emergency service showed a large crater next to what appeared to be apartment buildings with outer walls sheared away.
    CBS News, CBS News, 21 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • In sports like running, this sort of physical awareness is less important (though not entirely irrelevant).
    Alex Hutchinson, Outside, 22 Mar. 2026
  • These virtues are not irrelevant relics.
    CBS News, CBS News, 19 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Its exterior storage box hosts a water tank, along with a heater and propane gas bottle.
    Adam Williams March 24, New Atlas, 24 Mar. 2026
  • This enhances the appeal of both its exterior and interior.
    James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 22 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • In a statement, the police said the suspects — one Iranian and three dual British-Iranian nationals — were taken into custody on suspicion of assisting a foreign intelligence service.
    CBS News, CBS News, 21 Mar. 2026
  • Nearly 90,000 bottles of children's ibuprofen are being voluntarily recalled due to the potential presence of a foreign substance.
    Yi-Jin Yu, ABC News, 20 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Over the past week, Dru Smith has been essential in a mix of three point guards and extraneous when only two at point were featured.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 15 Mar. 2026
  • Each has been given extraneous dramatic business, perhaps to balance the scales with Oliver and Ciara, and to underscore that this is a show about two sets of couples, their trust issues and their need for one another.
    Television Critic, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Although individual plants have a lifespan of 30-90 years, adventitious shoots grow up from roots.
    Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 5 July 2025
  • The patchy and adventitious quality of Jameson’s reconstruction must make clear his difference as a thinker.
    Mark Greif, Harper's Magazine, 26 July 2024
Adjective
  • Garland died in 1969, of an accidental overdose of sleeping pills, but the tragedy did not hamper Minnelli’s ascent.
    Matt Weinstock, New Yorker, 25 Mar. 2026
  • An accidental house fire displaced seven people, including one child, early Wednesday in south Fort Worth.
    Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“External.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/external. Accessed 28 Mar. 2026.

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