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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Often traveling far from her neighborhood to play with orchestras, she was reminded of her distinct otherness at each rehearsal.
—
Pauleanna Reid, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for otherness
Pauleanna Reid, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for otherness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for otherness
Noun
-
Explore the differences between blanco, reposado, and añejo, learn about the traditional distillation process, and discover what makes a truly exceptional pour.—
Essence,
Essence,
10 July 2025
-
The main difference is that Prime Day deals are exclusive to Amazon (duh!), and that Prime subscribers are the shoppers at the highest advantage.—
Clara McMahon,
People.com,
9 July 2025
Noun
-
The goal is both to increase genetic diversity and to hone genetic editing techniques to fortify existing but threatened species.—
Jeffrey Kluger,
Time,
8 July 2025
-
The complexity and diversity of business AI use cases are rapidly outgrowing the information reflected in standard benchmarking.—
Ryan Kolln,
Forbes.com,
8 July 2025
Noun
-
Disinformation — the purposeful bending of, or negating, the truth — is used to destroy reputations, shatter trust, change political regimes, win at all costs, and muddy our distinctions between what is real and true, and what is blatantly false and biased.—
Davia Temin,
Forbes.com,
6 July 2025
-
At least one member appeared to struggle to understand the distinction between a vaccine’s efficacy and its effectiveness.—
Lisa Jarvis,
Twin Cities,
3 July 2025
Noun
-
In contrast, a minimum AI-ready product (MAP) strategically integrates AI from the beginning, resulting in intelligent, adaptive and anticipatory products right from day one.—
Ashay Satav,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2025
-
This is in contrast to people with Alzheimer’s disease, where it’s known that elevated p-tau217 contributes to the brain pathology seen in that condition.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
30 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Otherness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/otherness. Accessed 13 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share