EXTERNAL Synonyms: 43 Similar and Opposite Words

external

adjective

ek-ˈstər-nᵊl

Definition of external

as in extrinsic

not being a vital part of or belonging to something the defendant's socioeconomic status must be regarded as entirely external to his guilt or innocence

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 The Iranian regime took external hostility as a given and designed its survival strategy accordingly. — Marc Lynch, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026 Tapping Into Healthy Leadership Focusing solely on external ambition can easily lead an executive down a path of complete self- and corporate destruction. — Rachel Kule, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026 Most began as startups that were developed through funding and external support. — Charlotte Hu, Time, 18 Aug. 2026 In busy environments, there is no shortage of external sensations that help people process the odd experience of the ground shaking beneath them. — New Atlas, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for external

Recent Examples of Synonyms for external

Adjective

Educational psychology provides a useful framework for understanding this phenomenon through the distinction between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation.

— Jason Benedict, Fortune, 7 July 2026
Extrinsic rewards, such as grades, do so because extrinsic desires tend to crowd out intrinsic ones.

— David Brooks, The Atlantic, 28 June 2026

Definition of extrinsic

Adjective

Over the coming months, avionics, scientific instruments and thermal insulation will gradually transform the frame into the flying science laboratory destined for the outer solar system.

— Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
However, the inner (dentine) layer of these building blocks twist to the right, while the outer (cementum) layer twists left.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of outer

Adjective

But according to Adobe’s recent research, as many as half of customers will disengage with a brand if promotions feel irrelevant or mistimed.

— Sharat Potharaju, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
This view has not been heard in the dizzying din of the emotional outburst and fearmongering of the side show and irrelevant conversation about transwomen in sports inexplicably occurring in the context of the WNBA.

— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of irrelevant

Adjective

The credits include $195,500 to fix the gym roof; $40,100 to mend the parking lot; $71,800 to repair the exterior walls; $15,600 to replace a rooftop unit; $32,300 for contingencies; and $50,000 for an environmental reserve, court papers state.

— George Avalos, Mercury News, 21 Aug. 2026
The exterior design, however, was received with the enthusiasm of a root canal.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of exterior

Adjective

More than 540 foreign film and TV productions shot in Thailand last year, drawn in part by cash rebates of up to 30% for eligible projects.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 20 Aug. 2026
Even as other states and foreign governments invested in their own film industries and began luring away productions from California, lawmakers in Sacramento were initially skeptical of giving tax breaks to producers.

— Stacy Perman, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of foreign

Adjective

Howard said there was a large volume of character, reputation, and extraneous information related to the Metcalfs.

— CBS Texas Staff, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
Judges should consider voluntary surrender for low-risk individuals who have demonstrated compliance, ensuring punishment aligns with the court's order without adding extraneous suffering.

— Walter Pavlo, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of extraneous

Adjective

Some lawsuits have been filed by families of children and young adults who died by suicide after problematic use of social media, and families whose kids died from accidental overdoses from drug purchases facilitated by social platforms.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
Now the accidental entrepreneur, Elizabeth Stein, is making the biggest sale of her life.

— Chloe Sorvino, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026