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 But there’s a fundamental contradiction in seeing nature as something that’s extraneous to humankind. Farah Nayeri, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2025 Are they considered a worthy consultant or an extraneous one? Jim Cramer, CNBC, 14 Apr. 2025 Which passport wallets are best? Passport wallets have long been viewed as somewhat of an extraneous travel accessory for years, but are steadily rising in their popularity among frequent flyers and travelers. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2025 Apparently, the audio and transcript were recorded on different apps, and the audio recording was stopped before the extraneous commentary. Meredith Kile, People.com, 2 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for extraneous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for extraneous
Adjective
  • Brock Purdy certainly isn't going to be paid like someone who's irrelevant anymore.
    Cesar Brioso, USA Today, 20 May 2025
  • But the details of how Peter ran his kingdom are irrelevant, if colorful.
    Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 19 May 2025
Adjective
  • These external sensory stimuli can trigger or worsen migraine symptoms.1 Jump to Key Takeaways 1.
    Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 19 May 2025
  • If your board or C-suite are uncertain about the introduction of AI, either through unwillingness to engage or a lack of understanding, consider bringing in an external consultant to explain the technology, illustrate application and allay any fears.
    Hugo Farinha, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
Adjective
  • Our motivations—both intrinsic and extrinsic—propel us to acquire new skills, build meaningful relationships and progressively assert our autonomy by taking control of our actions.
    Davide Sartini, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
  • The appeal supports the notion that an extrinsic test wouldn’t be the only way to assess the similarity between the songs.
    Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 1 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
  • But the real Sylvia and Mort were larger-than-life characters and became accidental celebrities when The Nanny aired.
    Victoria Edel, People.com, 12 May 2025
  • Collantes ruled the cut was the result of an accidental headbutt, Suarez’s team is arguing that a punch caused the cut.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Extraneous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extraneous. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on extraneous

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