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 Even a little extraneous light, however, can interfere with this process. Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 8 Aug. 2025 Powell quickly read the document and then dismissed it as containing an extraneous line item. Tobias Burns, The Hill, 30 July 2025 Without the extraneous nuisance of hair, his head felt lighter, as if a heavy burden of worry had been lifted. Hazlitt, 16 July 2025 The streaming economy, however, has stretched the narrative timeline, elongated the arc, padding out a predetermined number of episodes with extraneous digressions, giving minor characters things to do that don’t necessarily contribute to the story, while not developing into much on their own. Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for extraneous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for extraneous
Adjective
  • Leading up to kickoff of Belichick’s debut at Chapel Hill, college football, this community and certainly the TV networks were thrilled with the prospect of this grouchy old man turning an irrelevant football team into something worth watching.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Sep. 2025
  • Natural gas fulfills much of this need, while coal is dirtier, expensive, and increasingly irrelevant for electricity production.
    Ken Silverstein, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Many, if not most, companies use and rely on cloud services, vendors and other external partners to manage their data and operations leaving customers’ data vulnerable when their employees are manipulated through social engineering.
    Steve Weisman, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025
  • The pool and rooftop bars are for hotel guests only, while the restaurants are open to external guests.
    Heather Richardson, Travel + Leisure, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • As Spell-Hansson notes in her research publication, organizational leaders can be aware of the interplay of extrinsic and intrinsic barriers and opportunities and be strategic in crafting workplace cultures that will be welcoming to all potential employees.
    Susan Madsen, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
  • Is your motivation for doing well extrinsic or intrinsic?
    DP Opinion, Denver Post, 11 June 2025
Adjective
  • Although individual plants have a lifespan of 30-90 years, adventitious shoots grow up from roots.
    Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 5 July 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • Taylor Farms has recalled its Honey Balsamic Salad Kits in response to an accidental switch in the salad dressing.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 2 Sep. 2025
  • The safety lock prevents accidental deployment while the Flex Shears tool is in your pocket or bag.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Extraneous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extraneous. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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