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 As his profile has skyrocketed and his career arc has suddenly shifted from burgeoning talent to the guy, the external expectations have only caught up to his own. Jared Weiss, New York Times, 1 May 2026 These panels allow such businesses to produce fuel on-site, reducing their dependence on external energy networks. Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 1 May 2026 The standoff at the Strait of Hormuz between Iran and the US — Baghdad’s two dominant external power brokers — has already inflicted serious damage on Iraq. Alaa Shahine Salha, semafor.com, 30 Apr. 2026 An investigation conducted by an external law firm cleared Tao of wrongdoing but revealed internal chaos in the business department as the district navigates a potentially devastating financial crisis. Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 30 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for external
Recent Examples of Synonyms for external
Adjective
  • Anyone that wanted to reserve time in the July 19 final was beholden to a full-tourney pledge of as much as $30 million, although your mileage will vary based on any number of extrinsic variables.
    Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 17 Apr. 2026
  • 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
Adjective
  • But, rewatching the film 20 years later (March 31 was the actual anniversary), Gunn's fingerprints are unmistakable, from the highly quotable dialogue to the quirky soundtrack lifted from the outer reaches of Gunn's eclectic music collection.
    Richard Edwards, Space.com, 1 May 2026
  • Zinc and iron enrichment was present only in the granular rows of the chela, specifically in the jagged, tooth-like bumps called denticles on the movable outer segment.
    Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 1 May 2026
Adjective
  • So to be honest, that’s pretty irrelevant.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 4 May 2026
  • At this point, though, long-term success may be considered irrelevant within the department.
    Quinta Jurecic, The Atlantic, 3 May 2026
Adjective
  • This pair from Reebok reminds me of Oprah’s with its tan- and white- exterior and lace-up design.
    Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Taking shelter means moving away from windows and exterior walls and into an interior room.
    Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Even more favorable financing terms with suppliers, or not having to pay to license foreign intellectual property, gives them a real boost, according to analysts.
    Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 1 May 2026
  • That’s no different from foreign bots intruding into our elections.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 1 May 2026
Adjective
  • Some courts, for example, have considered extraneous factors that should only matter in understanding whether a worker is an employee or independent contractor — an entirely separate issue.
    Keith Sonderling, Fortune, 28 Apr. 2026
  • That might sound like the company is setting up buyers for extraneous extras at a huge double-price tag, but the entire system is actually quite reasonable at US$5,139 for the Altus cabin with pickup bed rack and $6,049 for the Altus with truck cap.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 22 Apr. 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
  • Forensic investigators will determine whether the shooting was on purpose or accidental, police said.
    Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 6 May 2026
  • Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy didn't buy the scene as accidental.
    Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 6 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“External.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/external. Accessed 7 May. 2026.

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