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
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
The film’s queerness extends beyond Palmer’s portrayal of out lesbian Emerald Haywood; in addition to being a commentary on the way the entertainment industry consumes us, Nope is also about otherness.
—Samantha Allen, Them., 7 Oct. 2025
Tower of Now acts as a visual lexicon of architectural motifs, inviting viewers to find both familiarity and otherness.
—Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for otherness
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
The film’s queerness extends beyond Palmer’s portrayal of out lesbian Emerald Haywood; in addition to being a commentary on the way the entertainment industry consumes us, Nope is also about otherness.
—Samantha Allen, Them., 7 Oct. 2025
Tower of Now acts as a visual lexicon of architectural motifs, inviting viewers to find both familiarity and otherness.
—Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for otherness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for otherness
Noun
-
Providing more distinctiveness is Neville’s tagging along for the weekly dinner with the host (Edebiri in this case), Michaels and select cast members, which takes place early in the schedule and at the same Italian restaurant every week.—
Daniel Fienberg,
HollywoodReporter,
15 Apr. 2026
-
Doors opened; doors narrowed again when Jewish distinctiveness reasserted itself, whether through religious observance, Zionism, or simple refusal to disappear.—
Kenneth L. Marcus,
Boston Herald,
13 Apr. 2026
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
Noun
-
The difference came down to shot-making.—
C.J. Holmes,
New York Daily News,
11 Apr. 2026
-
Adding your mattress to your spring cleaning checklist can make a real difference.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Sacbee.com,
11 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The variety of organic molecules observed suggests that some chemical diversity has been preserved in ancient Martian sediments despite billions of years of diagenesis (the process by which sediment turns to rock) and radiation exposure.—
Leonard David,
Space.com,
21 Apr. 2026
-
Jones said the exhibit is designed to connect newer residents with the people who built the community, noting that from its earliest days Thornton had a strong Hispanic presence that continues today alongside a growing diversity of other ethnicities.—
Anna Alejo,
CBS News,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Raphael has the rare distinction of having an entire aesthetic movement named after a desire to go back to a time before him.—
Zachary Fine,
New Yorker,
20 Apr. 2026
-
The biggest distinction between credit unions and banks is that credit unions are not-for-profit organizations that are owned and operated by their members, who elect a board of directors.—
Becca Stanek,
TheWeek,
20 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
That is a marked contrast to McFarlane eulogising about his players after that draw away to City in his first game.—
Cerys Jones,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Nation-state hacking, in contrast, is a constant feature of geopolitics.—
Sue Halpern,
New Yorker,
24 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Otherness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/otherness. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
