OUTSIDER Synonyms: 36 Similar and Opposite Words

outsider

noun

ˌau̇t-ˈsī-dər

Definition of outsider

as in stranger

a person who is not native to or known to a community she seems to enjoy the odd distinction of being the only outsider in such a small community

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 outsider Some interesting reinventions of ancient literature, Wilson says, have been created by nonclassicists, outsiders who have been able to approach the source material with fresh eyes. — David Conrads, Christian Science Monitor, 6 Oct. 2026 They’re seen as oligarchs, as the people with wealth and power, controlling our lives—not as outsider insurgents. — Nicholas Lemann, New Yorker, 4 Oct. 2026 Soaking the suburbs over parking is reminiscent of other foolish, revenue-grabbing ideas, such as a congestion tax aimed at outsiders as a way to gin up money to cover Chicago’s ever-present budget black hole. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 1 Oct. 2026 Argentine President Javier Milei, who in 2023 ran an outsider campaign against economic mismanagement, faces an uphill 2027 reelection bid as Argentines struggle with day-to-day economic challenges despite the country’s macroeconomic improvements. — Dan Restrepo, Foreign Affairs, 30 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for outsider

Recent Examples of Synonyms for outsider

Noun

Seven strangers from different countries and backgrounds are forced to compete in a deadly game, each facing a different mission to rescue a loved one.

— Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026
Kneeling on the floor of a stranger’s home, performing CPR and trying to keep someone alive, often with frantic family members watching in shock.

— Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of stranger

Noun

Medical insurance policies for expats didn’t grow at all in the first six months of 2026, another indicator that fewer foreigners are coming to the kingdom.

— Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 6 Oct. 2026
In August 2025, authorities announced a new visa aimed at attracting young, talented foreigners working in STEM fields.

— Carl Minzner, Foreign Affairs, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of foreigner

Browse Nearby Words

outside of

outsider

outsiders

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Outsider.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outsider. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of outsider

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

deportment

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

The Words of the Week - Oct. 9

Why do we call it a 'flea market'?

Popular

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes