Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
×

Thesaurus

external

adjective

Synonyms and Antonyms of external

1 not being a vital part of or belonging to something
  • external factors affecting their decision
Synonyms of external

accidental, alien, extraneous, extrinsic, foreign
Words Related to external

exterior, outside

immaterial, inapplicable, insignificant, irrelevant

nonessential, unessential, unnecessary
Near Antonyms of external

congenital, deep-seated, inborn, inbred

inside, interior, internal

basic, essential, necessary
Antonyms of external

inherent, innate, intrinsic
2 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 of external

exterior, outer, outside, outward
Words Related to external

outermost, outlying, outmost

superficial, surface
Near Antonyms of external

inmost, innermost

mid, middle, midmost
Antonyms of external

inner, inside, interior, internal, inward

Learn More about external

  1. See words that rhyme with external Dictionary: Definition of external Medical Dictionary: Definition of external Spanish Central: Translation of external Nglish: Translation of external for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of external for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up external? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games