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 Next is a crisp 39% clearance on the Soundcore Space A40 noise-cancelling earbuds, a set of pocket-sized acoustic shields designed to instantly mute external chaos. — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 13 July 2026 Symptoms include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle pain and at times internal and external bleeding. — ABC News, 13 July 2026 By our second session, the external situation had not magically resolved. — Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 13 July 2026 There is something about the depth and texture of the characters’ interior lives moving against and in tandem with external forces that feels real, feels remembered. — Sky Davis, Christian Science Monitor, 13 July 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
She was medically excused from the 2020 WNBA season held amid the COVID-19 pandemic due to extrinsic asthma, then returned to the league with the Washington Mystics in 2021.

— Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 7 May 2026

Definition of extrinsic

Adjective

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services advises peeling fresh fruit and vegetables after washing because the parasite sits on the outer surfaces.

— Erika Edwards, NBC news, 14 July 2026
One of the planet’s strongest heat domes will be located over the north-central United States on Tuesday, with its outer edges reaching eastward toward the Mid-Atlantic.

— Ben Noll, Washington Post, 14 July 2026

Definition of outer

Adjective

The idea is to learn the structure that matters for prediction and planning without spending huge amounts of compute modeling irrelevant visual detail.

— ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 13 July 2026
Paramount had argued that the requests were irrelevant to the antitrust issues the state is investigating.

— Gene Maddaus, Variety, 11 July 2026

Definition of irrelevant

Adjective

Farina recommends checking that exterior doors, windows and gates close securely, outdoor lighting is working properly, and security cameras or alarm systems are functioning as expected.

— Jill Schildhouse, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander stands out from rivals in its segment because of its unique exterior and interior designs.

— Keith Laing, USA Today, 10 July 2026

Definition of exterior

Adjective

Immigration raids and wildfires dissuaded tourists from visiting, and even Canadian tourists who typically make up the largest number of foreign visitors to California dropped 21%.

— Lily Wright, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
Civic groups in Eswatini have also taken authorities to court to challenge the legality of holding foreign nationals in prison without charge.

— ABC News, ABC News, 9 July 2026

Definition of foreign

Adjective

Since these plants stop growing at a certain point (usually before 4 feet), all of their energy is directed into producing more leaves, blooms, and fruit, not extraneous stems or suckers.

— Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 4 July 2026
Still, Copilot is going through a reset, with Andreou eliminating extraneous versions of the AI tool and merging the teams that focused on consumer and enterprise versions of the product.

— Sebastian Herrera, Fortune, 27 June 2026

Definition of extraneous

Adjective

Fire officials deemed the fire accidental after determining that the family dog, Bo, jumped onto the kitchen counter and turned on the toaster, which ignited nearby combustibles.

— Adam Thompson, CBS News, 14 July 2026
Its lightweight, compliant structure makes accidental contact with people, pets and furniture far safer than conventional drones.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 13 July 2026