remoter; remotest
1
: separated by an interval or space greater than usual
an involucre remote from the flower
2
3
: out-of-the-way, secluded
a remote cabin in the hills
4
: being, relating to, or involving a means of doing or using something indirectly or from a distance: such as
a
: using or involving a network connection between computers or systems in different locations
a remote workforce
remote learning
files stored on remote servers
Just think about if an employee has an issue with their laptop—you'll need a remote desktop tool to take control of their machine to try and diagnose the issue.—
Lisa Ardill
Lisa Ardill
b
: being or relating to a means of collecting data about something (such as an object or an area) from a distance (as by using radar or photography)
Using remote cameras, researchers got photos of 18 ocelots over an eight-year period.—Tony Davis
Tony DavisUsing up to three remote sensors, the unit gives you indoor and outdoor temperature and humidity.—Cliff Gromer
Cliff GromerSatellite remote sensing offers a step change in our ability to map and monitor the extent of Antarctica's terrestrial biosphere.—Andrew Gray et al.
see also remote access, remote control, remote controlled
Andrew Gray et al.5
: not arising from a primary or proximate action
6
: small in degree : slight
a remote possibility
hadn't the remotest idea of what was going on
7
: distant in manner : aloof
remoteness
noun
1
: a radio or television program or a portion of a program originating outside the studio
Synonyms
Examples of remote in a Sentence
Adjective
She enjoys reading about remote lands.
The mission is to transport medical supplies to remote areas of the globe.
a tradition that dates back to remote antiquity
an invention that may be available in the remote future
There is a remote possibility that I'll be free Friday night.
Recent Examples on the Web
Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 14 Nov. 2024
The report highlights a shift in consensus: Scientists once thought tipping points — like the collapse of AMOC — were distant or remote possibilities.
—Evan Bush, NBC News, 12 Nov. 2024
Jeanette Hurt, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024
In order to control the toy, one partner wears a cool remote around their wrist and flicks it up or down—no buttons or apps to sort through.
—Malia Griggs, Glamour, 4 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for remote 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Adjective
Don’t rely on maybes or the remote possibilities others suggest.
—Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 14 Nov. 2024
The report highlights a shift in consensus: Scientists once thought tipping points — like the collapse of AMOC — were distant or remote possibilities.
—Evan Bush, NBC News, 12 Nov. 2024
Noun
After loading the device with shooters, put the top back on, and then either press a button on the device, or use a remote to dispense a shooter.
—Jeanette Hurt, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024
In order to control the toy, one partner wears a cool remote around their wrist and flicks it up or down—no buttons or apps to sort through.
—Malia Griggs, Glamour, 4 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for remote
Dictionary Entries Near remote
Cite this Entry
“Remote.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/remote. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
remote
1 of 2 adjective
re·mote
ri-ˈmōt 
remoter; remotest
1
: far removed in place, time, or relation
remote countries
remote ages
remote cousins
2
: secluded sense 1
a remote valley
3
: being, relating to, or involving a means of doing or using something indirectly or from a distance
remote learning
remote workers
remote cameras
4
: small in degree : slight
a remote possibility
5
: distant in manner : aloof
remotely
adverb
remoteness
noun
remote
2 of 2 nounLegal Definition
remote
adjective
re·mote
remoter; remotest
1
a
: far removed in space, time, or relation
ancestors of a more remote degree
b
: exceeding the time allowed under the rule against perpetuities for the vesting of interests
the residuary clause…violates the rule against remote vesting—Estate of Grove, 70 Cal. App. 3d 355 (1977)
Estate of Grove, 70 Cal. App. 3d 355 (1977)
also
: being in violation of the rule against perpetuities
a remote contingent estate
2
: acting, acted on, or controlled indirectly or from a distance
3
a
: not proximate or acting directly
b
: not arising from the effect of that which is proximate
4
: small in degree
a remote possibility of paternity
remotely
adverb
remoteness
noun
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