Synonyms of extrinsic

extrinsic

adjective

ek-ˈstrin-zik 

as in external

not being a vital part of or belonging to something

the fact that the ring belonged to your grandmother is extrinsic to its value to a jeweler

Synonyms & Similar Words

• external
• irrelevant
• adventitious
• extraneous
• accidental
• foreign
• alien
• supervenient
• exterior
• unnecessary
• immaterial
• inapplicable
• insignificant
• outside
• nonessential
• unessential

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• intrinsic
• inherent
• innate
• congenital
• internal
• basic
• interior
• necessary
• inborn
• inside
• inbred
• essential
• deep-seated

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of extrinsic are alien, extraneous, and foreign. While all these words mean "external to a thing, its essential nature, or its original character," 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

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

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

a practice totally alien to her nature

When could extraneous be used to replace extrinsic?

While in some cases nearly identical to extrinsic, 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

When might foreign be a better fit than extrinsic?

Although the words foreign and extrinsic have much in common, 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

Recent Examples of extrinsic

Those sensors detect the subtle vibrations that are transmitted to the extrinsic laryngeal muscles (in the neck) from other anatomical locations including the velum, oropharynx, tongue, and epiglottis. —Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 21 Feb. 2025

When Gamification Fails One of the most popular critiques of focusing on extrinsic rewards is that companies risk teaching employees to chase points, badges or lottery tickets rather than find meaning in the work itself. —Par Chadha, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025

That’s where the balance of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation comes in—gamification should enhance the inherent rewards of work rather than relying solely on badges, tokens and points. —Par Chadha, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025

This certainly hints at a deep and powerful form of motivation known as intrinsic motivation (doing something for a deep personal reason for example), as opposed to extrinsic motivation (in the sense of some short-term financial reward or external validation). —Adrian Kelly, Big Think, 5 Feb. 2025