outer

adjective

ˈau̇-tər How to pronounce outer (audio)
Definition of outernext
as in exterior
situated on the outside or farther out the outer edge of the blade of your figure skate always wears out faster than the inner because you use it more

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 outer AHAs, like glycolic and lactic acid, work on the surface, exfoliating the outer layers of the skin. — Kelsey Stewart, Allure, 18 Aug. 2026 No one seriously believes that Iran would try to target the outer islands that presently only have a population of six people. — Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 17 Aug. 2026 The design draws on Tibetan prayer wheels, where rotating the outer band is associated with serenity. — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 17 Aug. 2026 The Sun’s turbulent outer atmosphere appeared as a ghostly white halo over Duratón’s centuries-old place of worship. — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for outer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outer
  1. exterior
  2. outward
Adjective
  • According to district protocol, students and staff stayed in the building with the exterior doors locked, and no visitors were allowed inside.
    — Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Aug. 2026
  • This policy expressly provides protection for interior and exterior damage.
    — Christopher Elliott, Mercury News, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of exterior
Adjective
  • Its outward investment has exceeded inward investment for the past 15 years, precisely the imbalance the current government is determined to correct.
    — Control Risks, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • But even then, with the outward appearance of rapprochement, the siblings were struggling with their legacies and each other.
    — Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of outward

Browse Nearby Words

outed
outer
outermost
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Outer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outer. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on outer

Nglish: Translation of outer for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of balmy

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

Is “GIF” Pronounced “Jiff” or “Giff”?

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
image of a green cube out of place in a lineup of red spheres
Odd Word Out: Synonyms Vol. 2 Quiz Figure out which word isn't like the others.
See All