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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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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Cheuk urged directors to lean into their creative distinctiveness.
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Other huge fashion conglomerates like LVMH and Kering have grown in such a way that sometimes the individual brands lose their distinctiveness.
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?
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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.
Noun
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Hobbs said the difference is that federal agencies often warned states of threats before attacks occurred.
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Aside from resting starters, getting players off the bench for valuable time on the pitch could be the difference as the competition gets tougher.
Noun
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That diversity is reflected in the various mediums seen throughout the show, from painting and photography to three-dimensional artworks.
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The creative duo came into the podcast studio to discuss their stunning collaboration in the Summer 2026 issue—a sprawling portrait both of modern Texan life and, more broadly, of American diversity, 250 years into the nation’s history.
Noun
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There's an important distinction between a role being loved by fans and a role being loved by the actress who played her, however.
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That distinction belonged to William McChesney Martin, who served from 1951 until early 1970.
Noun
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By contrast, retirees enjoy a financial edge in such states as Minnesota, Utah and Colorado, where residents enjoy high retirement income and expenses that are relatively manageable.
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In contrast, the living room offers a calmer palette of sky blues and earthy browns.
Cite this Entry
“Otherness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/otherness. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.
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