Synonym Chooser

How is the word extraneous different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of extraneous are alien, extrinsic, and foreign. While all these words mean "external to a thing, its essential nature, or its original character," extraneous applies to what is on or comes from the outside and may or may not be capable of becoming an essential part.

arguments extraneous to the issue

How do alien and foreign relate to one another, in the sense of extraneous?

Alien is stronger than foreign in suggesting opposition, repugnance, or irreconcilability.

a practice totally alien to her nature

Where would extrinsic be a reasonable alternative to extraneous?

The words extrinsic and extraneous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, extrinsic applies to what is distinctly outside the thing in question or is not contained in or derived from its essential nature.

sentimental value that is extrinsic to the house's market value

When can foreign be used instead of extraneous?

While in some cases nearly identical to extraneous, foreign applies to what is so different as to be rejected or repelled or to be incapable of becoming assimilated.

techniques foreign to French cuisine

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 extraneous Savvy business owners are generally cognizant of macroeconomic, geopolitical, and other extraneous elements that impact their performance. Jeffrey Johnston, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025 Dockers’ performance was also dragging down Levi’s results and Gass, who took the helm of the company a little over a year ago, has been working to cut off extraneous businesses to fuel growth and focus on direct selling. Gabrielle Fonrouge, CNBC, 20 May 2025 His ethos and spirit pulsates throughout the idyllic interior and garden galleries, whisking New Yorkers and visitors away from the frenzy of daily routine, reminding us that art is essential, not extraneous, to our existence and fortitude. Natasha Gural, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025 There are no extraneous set pieces to keep the audience’s attention, no rousing speeches from world leaders, no context provided about why Ramadi was important to American interests during the Iraq War. Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 7 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for extraneous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for extraneous
Adjective
  • Geography becomes irrelevant when AI handles the grunt work.
    Steven Wolfe Pereira, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025
  • Each cancer journey is different, and others' stories can be irrelevant or trigger fears.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • Players can also continue to receive external payments from third-party NIL deals.
    Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 6 July 2025
  • The company’s intelligence platform claims to unify internal and external data sources, allowing investment professionals to ask complex questions in natural language rather than spending time manually aggregating information.
    Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 5 July 2025
Adjective
  • Is your motivation for doing well extrinsic or intrinsic?
    DP Opinion, Denver Post, 11 June 2025
  • It has been observed that extrinsic rewards can override intrinsic motivations over time.
    John Werner, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • Lauren Heller Since Sagittarians are willing to try anything once, the Fire sign resembles Lauren's adventitious persona.
    Lisa Stardust, People.com, 31 Mar. 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
  • An autopsy determined the cause of death was accidental, drowning secondary to electrocution, the Porter County Coroner’s office said.
    Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2025
  • The initial discovery of the toy’s mechanics was accidental.
    Aurora Martínez, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Extraneous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extraneous. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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