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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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 foreign On the Air India insurance payout, totals could climb, since there were foreign nationals killed in the accident, and those claims will be calculated according to the rules in their respective jurisdictions, the people said, who asked not to be identified discussing private matters. Dave Levinthal, Fortune, 16 June 2025 White House reacts to 'foreign flags' and 'No Kings Day' 03:07 PM EDT Small group of protesters spotted entering Army festival A small group of protesters have been spotted entering the Army festival grounds on Saturday. Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 June 2025 In addition to the 12 countries with outright bans, Venezuela is among seven foreign nations subject to partial restrictions on entering the U.S. permanently or applying for certain visas. Brendan Quinn, New York Times, 15 June 2025 Late 19th century newspapers depicted the spirit as a foreign, exotic drink, associated primarily with Russian immigrants who brought their drinking traditions with them. Time, 4 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for foreign
Recent Examples of Synonyms for foreign
Adjective
  • Think of something in this respect like a better passing Bogdan Bogdanovic, who has averaged 14 points per game over eight years in the NBA and has also been sneaky awesome in the playoffs and big international events.
    Sam Vecenie, New York Times, 26 June 2025
  • Initially published in December 2022 after the COVID-19 pandemic slowdown, the book serves as a roadmap for international entrepreneurs navigating the complexities of U.S. expansion.
    Court Stroud, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • As analysts have previously told Newsweek, even those critical of the Islamic Republic often rally behind the central government in the face of external threats and secessionist movements.
    Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 2025
  • If the device is indicating an external problem, such as moisture or water, fixing the issue should resolve the beeping.
    Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • The weekend descends into madness and a quest for alien contact after one of them introduces hallucinogens into the mix.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 20 June 2025
  • The stern instructor displays a remarkable amount of patience as the student bashes the unfortunate victim against every solid surface in sight — even alien beings capable of traversing the cosmos can have bad days at the office.
    Richard Edwards, Space.com, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • The most dangerous founders secretly fear becoming irrelevant in their own creation.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • The short movie for spring — whose title is being kept under wraps until the screening — is set on a ferry boat trip, its destination unknown and irrelevant, Magliano added.
    Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • Investigators ruled Coleman's death as accidental shortly after the incident in 2010.
    Liza Esquibias, People.com, 17 June 2025
  • Learn how to use gym equipment properly to avoid accidental injuries, if gym equipment is a part of your routine.
    Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 16 June 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
  • Is your motivation for doing well extrinsic or intrinsic?
    DP Opinion, Denver Post, 11 June 2025
  • It has been observed that extrinsic rewards can override intrinsic motivations over time.
    John Werner, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • And, to be clear, there are some people who use protests like the ones against Trump’s immigration raids as a cover and excuse to pursue an extraneous agenda of violence and anarchy.
    Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025
  • Savvy business owners are generally cognizant of macroeconomic, geopolitical, and other extraneous elements that impact their performance.
    Jeffrey Johnston, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Foreign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foreign. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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