OTHERNESS Synonyms: 69 Similar and Opposite Words

otherness

noun

ˈə-t͟hər-nəs

Definition of otherness

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

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 otherness Instead, otroverts—who often appear extroverted, Kaminski says—are defined by a feeling of otherness. — Jamie Friedlander Serrano, Time, 13 Mar. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for otherness

Recent Examples of Synonyms for otherness

Noun

America is the ultimate answer to the pogrom, and to the emancipation Europe offered on the condition of relinquishing Jewish ethnic and cultural distinctiveness.

— Rory Lancman, New York Daily News, 5 Aug. 2026
In a portfolio of consumer brands, each brand's value lies substantially in its distinctiveness.

— Gustaf Lundberg Toresson, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

Definition of distinctiveness

Noun

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
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

Definition of distinctness

Noun

That difference was on display Wednesday in metro Atlanta when a Chinese auto parts company’s American division opened a new regional headquarters and factory.

— Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 28 Aug. 2026
The fundamental difference is that there is no longer a coronation, and the new monarch automatically becomes king upon the death of his predecessor.

— Stefania Conrieri, Vanity Fair, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of difference

Noun

The public speech extolled the diversity of the Scandinavian nation and was viewed on social media by millions.

— ABC News, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026
There have been relatively few large-scale national decomposition studies involving different land use types, although smaller studies have shown that how humans use a site can significantly affect the soil’s biological diversity.

— Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of diversity

Noun

In contrast, the new 74,000-square-foot (6,875-square-meter) Buc-ee’s off Interstate 70 near Dayton has more than 100 gas pumps, 24 electric vehicle chargers and 700 parking spaces.

— ABC News, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026
The majority of Duff’s footwear was comprised of white leather, which sat in contrast to three black stripes on the side, an Adidas signature.

— Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 22 Aug. 2026