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

High foreign miner taxes forced them to look for other sources of work. — Sacbee.com, 30 July 2026

Of Goodwin Living’s 1,500 employees, 70% hail from foreign countries. — Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 30 July 2026

Intelligence agencies assessed in 2021 that China and other foreign countries did not try to interfere in technical aspects of the 2020 election, including voter registration processes. — Jennifer Jacobs, CBS News, 30 July 2026

This week offers you a mini growth spurt or glow up of sorts, culminating in a Venus-Uranus trine on August 11 that may delight you with an unexpectedly good time in a foreign land or philosophy seminar. — Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 July 2026