Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

Thesaurus

foreign

adjective

Synonyms and Antonyms of foreign

1 being, relating to, or characteristic of a country other than oneʼs own
  • more Americans should take an interest in foreign languages
Synonyms of foreign

alien, nonnative
Words Related to foreign

imported, introduced, naturalized, transplanted

external, international, multiculti, multicultural, multilateral, multinational

foreign-born, nonindigenous

distant, far-off, overseas, remote

bizarre, exotic, outlandish, strange
Near Antonyms of foreign

endemic, local

aboriginal, indigenous
Antonyms of foreign

domestic, native
2 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 of foreign

accidental, adventitious, alien, external, extraneous, extrinsic, supervenient
Words Related to foreign

exterior, outside

immaterial, inapplicable, insignificant, irrelevant

nonessential, unessential, unnecessary
Near Antonyms of foreign

congenital, deep-seated, inborn, inbred

inside, interior, internal

basic, essential, necessary
Antonyms of foreign

inherent, innate, intrinsic
3 relating to or involving two or more nations
  • foreign trade has always been vital to the region's economic health
Synonyms of foreign

international, multinational, transnational
Words Related to foreign

intercontinental, transcontinental
Near Antonyms of foreign

domestic, internal, national

Synonym Discussion of foreign

extrinsic, extraneous, foreign, alien 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
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
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
alien is stronger than foreign in suggesting opposition, repugnance, or irreconcilability.
    • a practice totally alien to her nature

Learn More about foreign

  1. See words that rhyme with foreign Dictionary: Definition of foreign Medical Dictionary: Definition of foreign Spanish Central: Translation of foreign Nglish: Translation of foreign for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of foreign for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up foreign? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show comments hide comments

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

WORD OF THE DAY

disavow

to deny responsibility for

Get Word of the Day daily email!

TRENDING NOW

  1. feckless Former RNC chair derides Trump

  2. emergency, national emergency Trump declares crisis over wall

  3. apoplectic Bezos writes post about Pecker

SEE ALL

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games