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
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Recent Examples of otherness
The music itched with palpable otherness, from the experience of a Black art-school kid hailing from Stone Mountain, Georgia, and recklessly lumbered with the intention of redefining Black male cool.
—
Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 24 July 2024
The two find solidarity in a shared sense of otherness, and see their mutual queerness as something to love rather than something to fear.
—Jordan Crucchiola, Vulture, 12 June 2024
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
French philosopher Emmanuel Levinas once distinguished between two forms of otherness.
—Simon Njami, Artforum, 16 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for otherness 
Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 24 July 2024
The two find solidarity in a shared sense of otherness, and see their mutual queerness as something to love rather than something to fear.
—Jordan Crucchiola, Vulture, 12 June 2024
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
French philosopher Emmanuel Levinas once distinguished between two forms of otherness.
—Simon Njami, Artforum, 16 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for otherness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for otherness
Noun
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Here, then, are most*** of the 2024 House races sorted by the difference between their margins and the presidential margins in their districts.—
Nathaniel Rakich,
ABC News,
10 Jan. 2025
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What’s the difference between canister and compressor ice cream makers?—
Alaina Chou,
Bon Appétit,
10 Jan. 2025
Noun
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The population also shows a male bias, further reducing reproductive diversity.—
Samantha Dee,
Sun Sentinel,
9 Jan. 2025
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This diversity of thought can lead to competitive advantages in global markets.—
Salvador Ordorica,
Forbes,
9 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Right now, the Knicks hover on the edge of that distinction.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
19 Jan. 2025
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The distinction between a diplomatic negotiator and an intelligence operative is vague in the region, and Mr. Burns’s arrivals and departures could be stealthy.—
Julian E. Barnes,
New York Times,
18 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Diverse teams, by contrast, bring multiple viewpoints to threat analysis, leading to more comprehensive security strategies.—
Leo Cunningham,
Forbes,
13 Jan. 2025
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Today’s sober-curious, by contrast, post on Instagram about how Dry January has reduced their inflammation, sharpened their jawline, and improved their sleep score.—
Shayla Love,
The Atlantic,
13 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near otherness
Cite this Entry
“Otherness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/otherness. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.
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