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
Indeed, in Fennell’s movie, Heathcliff’s race is not explicitly stated, and his otherness seems to center more around class, with emphasis placed on the fact that he was found on the streets of Liverpool and isn’t able to read or write.
—
Ellise Shafer, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026
Heathcliff’s racial ambiguity — so central to the novel’s violence and otherness — is feebly erased.
—Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 11 Feb. 2026
There’s a lot of ways to tackle otherness and discrimination.
—Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 10 Jan. 2026
While Monster luxuriated in Gein’s unraveling mind, showcasing his otherness with sequences of Gein dancing with spinning chainsaws and posing in his skin suit, Devil in Disguise is all the more effective for emphasizing Gacy’s ability to go unnoticed.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for otherness
Ellise Shafer, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026
Heathcliff’s racial ambiguity — so central to the novel’s violence and otherness — is feebly erased.
—Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 11 Feb. 2026
There’s a lot of ways to tackle otherness and discrimination.
—Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 10 Jan. 2026
While Monster luxuriated in Gein’s unraveling mind, showcasing his otherness with sequences of Gein dancing with spinning chainsaws and posing in his skin suit, Devil in Disguise is all the more effective for emphasizing Gacy’s ability to go unnoticed.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for otherness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for otherness
Noun
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The melting pot implied that citizens gradually shed the distinctiveness of their traditions in order to become fully American.—
Ari Berman,
New York Daily News,
15 May 2026
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The Pulitzer board encourages its juries to engage in both robust debate and its own inquiries into the distinctiveness of all entries.—
Max Tani,
semafor.com,
6 May 2026
Noun
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How can the sense of an absolute union of all matter be reconciled with the endless multiplicity and distinctness of it?—
Christian Wiman,
Harpers Magazine,
30 Dec. 2025
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However, a few hours with Air Riders reveals the nuance and depth of its gameplay, the distinctness of this flavor of racing game and its sensory, chaotic, and strategic appeal.—
Ryan Gaur,
Rolling Stone,
19 Nov. 2025
Noun
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But for all their differences, these presidents appeared to operate within a common political framework — one grounded in accountability to facts, responsibility for outcomes and acceptance of democratic processes.—
William Muck,
Chicago Tribune,
24 May 2026
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While no single model applies universally—given state differences in economic structure, demographics, and obligations—the core principles of tax competitiveness and fiscal lessons offer valuable lessons.—
Nicole Huyer,
The Orlando Sentinel,
24 May 2026
Noun
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The diversity of hormone function, from milk to mood, hunger to height, does not occur through the action of any single part of our anatomy.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
20 May 2026
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For bottlenecked species whose numbers are so low that breeding carries a risk of inbreeding, making tiny tweaks to the DNA could create synthetic genetic diversity and expand the gene pool.—
Alex Morris,
Rolling Stone,
19 May 2026
Noun
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Its star, Louise Lasser, graced the covers of People, Newsweek, and TV Guide, back when those distinctions really meant something.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
18 May 2026
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Following a meticulous restoration, its Art Deco soul remains intact, a distinction further affirmed by its Michelin Key.—
William Jones,
USA Today,
18 May 2026
Noun
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The Dodgers’ offense, in contrast to the Brewers’, didn’t record a hit off Brewers starter Logan Henderson until the fourth inning.—
Maddie Lee,
Los Angeles Times,
23 May 2026
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In contrast, André Burakovsky and Artyom Levshunov stumbled through forgettable seasons.—
Kalen Lumpkins,
Chicago Tribune,
23 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Otherness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/otherness. Accessed 25 May. 2026.
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