Synonym Chooser

How is the word extraneous different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of extraneous are alien, extrinsic, and foreign. While all these words mean "external to a thing, its essential nature, or its original character," extraneous applies to what is on or comes from the outside and may or may not be capable of becoming an essential part.

arguments extraneous to the issue

How do alien and foreign relate to one another, in the sense of extraneous?

Alien is stronger than foreign in suggesting opposition, repugnance, or irreconcilability.

a practice totally alien to her nature

Where would extrinsic be a reasonable alternative to extraneous?

The words extrinsic and extraneous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, extrinsic applies to what is distinctly outside the thing in question or is not contained in or derived from its essential nature.

sentimental value that is extrinsic to the house's market value

When can foreign be used instead of extraneous?

While in some cases nearly identical to extraneous, foreign applies to what is so different as to be rejected or repelled or to be incapable of becoming assimilated.

techniques foreign to French cuisine

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 extraneous This week, the Senate parliamentarian evaluated whether the proposal complies with the Byrd rule, which prohibits the inclusion of changes that are extraneous to the budget. Lorie Konish, CNBC, 27 June 2025 That allows the bill to pass with only GOP support in a Senate with 53 Republicans and 47 Democrats, but under reconciliation every aspect of the bill must meet strict criteria that prohibit extraneous provisions that don't directly impact the federal budget. Savannah Kuchar, USA Today, 24 June 2025 In Albertus’s account, population growth appears as a largely extraneous trigger for the Great Reshuffle, requiring little explanation. Michael Albertus, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025 Under the Senate's Byrd rule, a senator can object to a potentially extraneous budget provision. ArsTechnica, 23 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for extraneous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for extraneous
Adjective
  • The rise of e-commerce, particularly Amazon, led to widespread belief that traditional big-box retailers would become irrelevant dinosaurs.
    Robert Daugherty, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • The judge ruled that evolution’s validity was irrelevant.
    Ron Grossman, Chicago Tribune, 13 July 2025
Adjective
  • Another psychological factor playing into mental health challenges after winning is the external pressure and expectation to continue winning.
    Brook Choulet, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • Investors have speculated about who will lead the company after Cornell — and what that internal or external pick may mean for the company's future.
    Melissa Repko, CNBC, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • Is your motivation for doing well extrinsic or intrinsic?
    DP Opinion, Denver Post, 11 June 2025
  • It has been observed that extrinsic rewards can override intrinsic motivations over time.
    John Werner, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • Although individual plants have a lifespan of 30-90 years, adventitious shoots grow up from roots.
    Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 5 July 2025
  • Lauren Heller Since Sagittarians are willing to try anything once, the Fire sign resembles Lauren's adventitious persona.
    Lisa Stardust, People.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Officials are investigating the incident to determine whether or not the death was accidental or criminal.
    Charna Flam, People.com, 11 July 2025
  • The initial discovery of the toy’s mechanics was accidental.
    Aurora Martínez, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Extraneous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extraneous. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on extraneous

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