as in distinctiveness
the quality or state of being different
from an early age he could sense that there was an otherness about him—he was somehow different from the other kids
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of otherness
In the process, those kids, sidelined in a world of indifferent adults, have their otherness lifted, too.
—
Steven Zeitchik, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019
As an immigrant teen trying to assimilate when his family moved to New York, Stan badly wanted to fit in, but was deeply conscious of his ‘otherness’.
—Antonia Blyth, Deadline, 6 Jan. 2025
It’s also suggested that the lack of safe spaces outside of work (where for many minorities racial and social inequalities are most felt) and home have contributed to feelings of isolation and otherness amongst young Black people.
—L'oréal Blackett, refinery29.com, 2 Oct. 2024
Elphaba is able to repurpose her otherness for a good cause.
—Steven Zeitchik, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019
See All Example Sentences for otherness
Steven Zeitchik, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019
As an immigrant teen trying to assimilate when his family moved to New York, Stan badly wanted to fit in, but was deeply conscious of his ‘otherness’.
—Antonia Blyth, Deadline, 6 Jan. 2025
It’s also suggested that the lack of safe spaces outside of work (where for many minorities racial and social inequalities are most felt) and home have contributed to feelings of isolation and otherness amongst young Black people.
—L'oréal Blackett, refinery29.com, 2 Oct. 2024
Elphaba is able to repurpose her otherness for a good cause.
—Steven Zeitchik, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019
See All Example Sentences for otherness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for otherness
Noun
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What’s the difference between a virtual safety car and an actual safety car?—
Sean Gregory,
Time,
27 June 2025
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But the difference between Ford’s high-end and low-end truck models, for instance, illustrates why focusing on expensive vehicles with lower volume makes more sense than the opposite.—
Mark Dent,
HubSpot,
27 June 2025
Noun
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Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard effectively ends affirmative action in college admissions, threatening workplace diversity efforts.—
Sonari Glinton,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2025
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Population diversity continues to spread beyond Mecklenburg County, specifically within the Hispanic community in the suburbs, new census estimates show.—
Desiree Mathurin,
Charlotte Observer,
26 June 2025
Noun
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Stein elaborates, drawing a distinction between highly skilled white-collar migrants, people including Alexander Hamilton, Albert Einstein and Elon Musk, and those who would in his view take jobs away from American low-wage workers.—
Sergio Martínez-Beltrán,
NPR,
23 June 2025
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Cardinals first baseman Wilson Contreras struck out four times Saturday in St. Louis’ 6-5 win over the Reds and earned a special distinction.—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
23 June 2025
Noun
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In contrast, Studicata uses AI to craft case briefs quickly and cost-effectively.—
Rhiannon Frater,
USA Today,
18 June 2025
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In contrast, frequent but shallow irrigation leads to shallow root growth and lawns that are more susceptible to drought stress.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
18 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Otherness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/otherness. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
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