EXTRANEOUS Synonyms: 69 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

extraneous

adjective

ek-ˈstrā-nē-əs

Definition of extraneous

as in irrelevant

not being a vital part of or belonging to something the architect's streamlined modern style shuns any sort of extraneous ornamentation

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in immaterial

not having anything to do with the matter at hand the professor would have covered all of the course material if she had refrained from her extraneous remarks on just about everything

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 And dissection of a batting order can be extraneous. —Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Feb. 2025 Weiser blames extraneous material added to the bill for its collapse and remains confident this slimmer package will pass muster. —John Frank, Axios, 25 Feb. 2025 That law prevents the addition of extraneous provisions, according to Maria Freese, senior legislative representative at the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare. —Lorie Konish, CNBC, 25 Feb. 2025 The brand’s green values also drive the aesthetics — the clothing is stylish, and there’s not a lot of excess fabric, or extraneous detail. —Samantha Conti, WWD, 30 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for extraneous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for extraneous

Adjective

The weather’s getting warmer in Montreal, playoff weather, a time of year this group is used to looking for external, irrelevant sources of motivation to play out the string.

— Arpon Basu, The Athletic, 16 Mar. 2025
Too long to weed through red herrings and convolutions in the mystery that eventually border on irrelevant.

— Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Mar. 2025