Synonyms of foreign

foreign

adjective

ˈfȯr-ən 

1

as in international

being, relating to, or characteristic of a country other than one's own

more Americans should take an interest in foreign languages

Synonyms & Similar Words

• international
• alien
• imported
• external
• introduced
• nonnative
• multicultural
• exotic
• overseas
• naturalized
• multinational
• multilateral
• foreign-born
• transplanted
• nonindigenous
• strange
• distant
• bizarre
• multiculti
• far-off
• remote
• outlandish

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• domestic
• local
• native
• indigenous
• endemic
• aboriginal

2

as in external

not being a vital part of or belonging to something

pediatricians often have to remove peas or other foreign bodies from inside the ears of curious toddlers

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

3

as in multinational

relating to or involving two or more nations

foreign trade has always been vital to the region's economic health

Synonyms & Similar Words

• international
• multinational
• transnational
• transcontinental
• intercontinental

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• national
• domestic
• internal

Synonym Chooser

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

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

How do alien and foreign relate to one another?

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

a practice totally alien to her nature

When is extraneous a more appropriate choice than foreign?

The words extraneous and foreign are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 extrinsic be a better fit than foreign?

In some situations, the words extrinsic and foreign are roughly equivalent. However, 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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of foreign

This neo-Gaullist policy, as a vanguard of a nascent EU foreign and energy policy, will probably be his most enduring, but controversial, legacy. —Wesley Alexander Hill, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026

Meanwhile, the nation was entangled in costly foreign wars whose justifications seemed far removed from the immediate safety of Britain. —Danielle Allen, The Atlantic, 21 May 2026

Adams was indicted in 2024 on five counts of federal bribery, wire fraud and conspiracy to solicit a campaign donation from a foreign national. —Alexa Herrera, CBS News, 20 May 2026

While Musk was in the government last year, Starlink reached deals with several governments and foreign telecommunications companies to expand overseas. —David Ingram, NBC news, 20 May 2026