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 But the story could be streamlined and clarified by cutting out some of the extraneous characters not crucial to the plot. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Apr. 2025 But there’s a fundamental contradiction in seeing nature as something that’s extraneous to humankind. Farah Nayeri, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2025 Are they considered a worthy consultant or an extraneous one? Jim Cramer, CNBC, 14 Apr. 2025 Which passport wallets are best? Passport wallets have long been viewed as somewhat of an extraneous travel accessory for years, but are steadily rising in their popularity among frequent flyers and travelers. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for extraneous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for extraneous
Adjective
  • However, this elevated P/S ratio is mostly irrelevant since MSTR's valuation is fundamentally driven by its Bitcoin holdings rather than its traditional software revenue.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
  • If investors are now satisfied, the underlying legal structure is irrelevant.
    Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • CIVs require unrelated investors and external managers—criteria typical hedge funds meet, but not personal or family trading entities.
    Robert Green, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
  • With no predators, external threats or competitors, demodex mites have no selective pressures, Perotti explained.
    Kameryn Griesser, CNN Money, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • Our motivations—both intrinsic and extrinsic—propel us to acquire new skills, build meaningful relationships and progressively assert our autonomy by taking control of our actions.
    Davide Sartini, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
  • The appeal supports the notion that an extrinsic test wouldn’t be the only way to assess the similarity between the songs.
    Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • The patchy and adventitious quality of Jameson’s reconstruction must make clear his difference as a thinker.
    Mark Greif, Harper's Magazine, 26 July 2024
Adjective
  • The coroner found that no foul play was involved, and that his death was accidental.
    Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2025
  • The accidental shooting unfolded on Wednesday inside an apartment in northeast D.C., located on 1700 block of Benning Road.
    Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 23 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Extraneous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extraneous. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

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