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
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
-
In this role, Ken will lead CNBC Digital and help elevate the ambition, distinctiveness and impact of our journalism across platforms.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
28 May 2026
-
Success, for us is distinctiveness — being recognized by our design language alone and known as a brand with a clear point of view, forming the right partnerships, and on a more human level, coming back with new ideas and the momentum to keep designing.—
Thomas Waller,
Footwear News,
27 May 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
-
Light and Dark Backsplash and White Counters Choose a marble backsplash with a drastic color difference between the white and gray threads of color for a maximalist, glam look.—
Lauren Jones,
The Spruce,
6 June 2026
-
There are no specific treatments for the strain of Ebola driving the current outbreak, but early medical care can make a big difference.—
Dr. Sanjay Gupta,
CNN Money,
6 June 2026
Noun
-
Most recently, late neoliberalism revived a central aspect of 1970s pluralism, retooled as representative diversity—once again under the pressure of political activism, which reckoned with decades of racially exclusionary collecting, exhibiting, and hiring practices at art institutions.—
Katy Siegel,
Artforum,
2 June 2026
-
As a result, seed diversity and resiliency have been compromised and control of seed has moved away from farmers and local communities to large corporations.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
2 June 2026
Noun
-
For museums and galleries, diversity replaced criticality as the primary criterion of social distinction, the way to demonstrate participation in a progressive critique of the social order.—
Katy Siegel,
Artforum,
2 June 2026
-
The nearest town has the odd distinction of being renowned for ox-cart making.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
Noun
-
The rules produced by students at Eton in 1847, by contrast, outlawed the use of hands for propelling the ball.—
Thomas Adam,
The Conversation,
29 May 2026
-
Blaming American negotiators Despite Israel’s displeasure with the emerging agreement, its relatively muted response stands in stark contrast to the fierce campaign Netanyahu waged against the 2015 Iran nuclear deal signed by former President Barack Obama.—
Tal Shalev,
CNN Money,
29 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Otherness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/otherness. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
