Synonyms of nonnative

nonnative 1 of 2

adjective

ˌnän-ˈnā-tiv 

as in foreign

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

nonnative customs that made the recent immigrants stand out in their new country

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

nonnative

2 of 2

noun

as in stranger

a person who is not native to or known to a community

the problems encountered by a nonnative after moving into a close-knit community

Synonyms & Similar Words

• stranger
• foreigner
• alien
• outsider
• nonresident
• outlander
• transient
• wanderer
• outcast
• pariah
• drifter

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• native
• familiar
• friend
• intimate
• buddy
• pal
• chum
• fellow
• partner
• acquaintance
• comrade
• confidant
• resident
• associate
• colleague
• cohort
• citizen
• companion
• peer
• hearty
• inhabitant
• mate
• crony
• habitant
• hobnobber

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of nonnative

Adjective

They have been introduced in other waters and, like nonnative blue catfish, are thriving in several tidal rivers, such as Virginia’s James River. — Ken Perrotte, Outdoor Life, 4 June 2026

Lee’s priorities include expanding civic engagement and language accessibility, with an aim to demystify legal proceedings for students and nonnative English speakers. — Jon Regardie, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026

According to Headrick, carpenter bees also pollinate nonnative species such as blueberries, melons, tomatoes, eggplant and squash. — Sarah Linn april 24, Sacbee.com, 24 Apr. 2026

Threats to the Banbury Springs limpet include habitat modification due to hydroelectric dams, decreased groundwater quality and competition from nonnative species such as the New Zealand mudsnail, according to the Idaho Governor’s Office of Species Conservation. — Idaho Statesman, 22 Apr. 2026

Hilgert also suggested swapping out thirsty nonnative lawn turf for more resilient native grasses, like buffalograss or blue grama grass. — Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 21 Apr. 2026

The fire trend is linked to the proliferation of nonnative and highly flammable grasses, particularly on fallowed landscapes once used for sugar and pineapple plantations. — Evan Bush, NBC news, 20 Mar. 2026

At American firms, accent bias can quietly shape whose ideas gain traction at work by depressing attention and engagement for speakers with nonnative English accents. — Aliah Zewail, Harvard Business Review, 17 Mar. 2026

Points are also given for sustainable practices, with activities in at least two of four categories – soil and water conservation, controlling nonnative species, reducing pollution and reduce/reuse/recycle. — Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 15 Mar. 2026