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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of otherness
Here, centering otherness is about intentionally dissolving the idea of the imaginary center, which can no longer hold.
—
Sara Raza, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2024
For some, holiness has an otherness quality set apart from all (or most) of humanity.
—Walt Shelton, Austin American-Statesman, 14 Aug. 2024
Given how crucial football is to Saudi Arabia’s ‘Vision 2030 strategy’, moving there would jeopardise his sense of ‘otherness’ and become an extension of the state’s machinery.
—Simon Hughes, The Athletic, 20 Aug. 2024
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
See All Example Sentences for otherness
Sara Raza, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2024
For some, holiness has an otherness quality set apart from all (or most) of humanity.
—Walt Shelton, Austin American-Statesman, 14 Aug. 2024
Given how crucial football is to Saudi Arabia’s ‘Vision 2030 strategy’, moving there would jeopardise his sense of ‘otherness’ and become an extension of the state’s machinery.
—Simon Hughes, The Athletic, 20 Aug. 2024
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
See All Example Sentences for otherness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for otherness
Noun
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Eoin Morgan took a grip on the team in 2014 and ensured that whatever the differences in personality and culture, the unit was tight.—
Tim Ellis,
Forbes,
27 Feb. 2025
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In order to accomplish this, there must be a major temperature difference between the substance itself and its environment.—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
27 Feb. 2025
Noun
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California public universities and many K-12 school systems are defending diversity efforts while carefully avoiding clashes with the administration.—
Ryan Fonseca,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Feb. 2025
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The case comes two years after the Supreme Court struck down race-conscious admissions programs in higher education and amid the Trump administration’s fierce efforts to root out programs that promote diversity.—
Adam Liptak,
New York Times,
26 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Five years ago, Robert Wallach (Bobby) had an idea that seemed radical: to revolutionize the gig economy by eliminating the distinction between employees and independent contractors.—
Kody Boye,
USA TODAY,
25 Feb. 2025
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Palmer has embraced the distinction, leveraging her position to create opportunities for other women.—
Julia Boorstin,
CNBC,
24 Feb. 2025
Noun
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The ‘Iced Black’ bonnet sets the contrast nicely while the 23-inch five-spoke forged aluminum wheels, illuminated grille, and polished brightwork complete the look.—
Matthew MacConnell,
Forbes,
18 Feb. 2025
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White Americans, by contrast, have $41 trillion of stock-market wealth — up 91% over the same time period.—
Ben Berkowitz,
Axios,
17 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Otherness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/otherness. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
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