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
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
Elphaba is able to repurpose her otherness for a good cause.
—Steven Zeitchik, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019
See All Example Sentences for otherness
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
Elphaba is able to repurpose her otherness for a good cause.
—Steven Zeitchik, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019
See All Example Sentences for otherness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for otherness
Noun
-
One difference is that previous research, including a 2023 paper that Keeler coauthored, studied restrictive diets supervised by medical professional.—
Madeline Holcombe,
CNN Money,
3 June 2025
-
One big difference, however, from other Universal hotels at similar price points is Helios Grand guests do not get free Universal Express Unlimited passes to cut waits at Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure.—
Eve Chen,
USA Today,
3 June 2025
Noun
-
These significant enrollment declines not only jeopardize the future of Black families but also diminish the diversity of our workforce.—
Leadership Brainery,
Forbes.com,
2 June 2025
-
This affected the prairie’s biological diversity as rivers were rerouted, synthetic nitrogen became a standard fertilizer and the delicate symbiosis of the prairie was uprooted.—
Mary Ann Grossmann,
Twin Cities,
31 May 2025
Noun
-
Those 30-something passengers represented a surprising demographic distinction for this city mainly known for its long winters, spicy chicken wings and proximity to one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in the country.—
David Allan,
CNN Money,
31 May 2025
-
Dylan’s detention has also drawn the condemnation of New York’s governor, who at an unrelated press conference Thursday in Hell’s Kitchen made a distinction between assisting in the removal of people who have been accused of crimes and separating families.—
Cayla Bamberger,
New York Daily News,
29 May 2025
Noun
-
Rihanna, by contrast, emerged as their modernized little sister who was young, polished, and strategically backed and ready to channel this island swag through the lens of a rising global pop star.—
Ime Ekpo,
Forbes.com,
25 May 2025
-
By contrast, the hooded orioles build deep pouch or pendant nests that are sewn into place with the fibers from palm fronds.—
Ernie Cowan,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
25 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Otherness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/otherness. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share