EXTERNAL Synonyms: 43 Similar and Opposite Words

external

adjective

ek-ˈstər-nᵊl

Definition of external

as in extrinsic

not being a vital part of or belonging to something the defendant's socioeconomic status must be regarded as entirely external to his guilt or innocence

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in outer

situated on the outside or farther out the external chambers of the ancient tomb gave little indication of the magnificence of the innermost chamber

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 external Beating the models at their own noise ENSO fluctuates on its own; quiet decades are followed by wild ones, with no external push required. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 31 Aug. 2026 Uma Iyer, the nonprofit’s chief external affairs officer, said the support also boosted staff morale. — James Pollard, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026 Gibson Dunn, an external law firm, was engaged to review the allegations. — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 29 Aug. 2026 However, sources disclosed this week that Blue Origin is raising its first-ever round of external funding. — CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for external

Recent Examples of Synonyms for external

Adjective

Educational psychology provides a useful framework for understanding this phenomenon through the distinction between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation.

— Jason Benedict, Fortune, 7 July 2026
Extrinsic rewards, such as grades, do so because extrinsic desires tend to crowd out intrinsic ones.

— David Brooks, The Atlantic, 28 June 2026

Definition of extrinsic

Adjective

The thick layer of rock shields it from cosmic rays, while a water tank and outer detectors help block or identify other particles that could mimic a dark matter signal.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 1 Sep. 2026
And in the years since the 2010 earthquake there, some residents have moved to outer areas, but it's really remained a cultural hub, and its Haitian roots are really visible everywhere.

— Dana Taylor, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of outer

Adjective

Catherine and Alice are such complicated figures that the word likable seems irrelevant to them.

— Joy Press, Vanity Fair, 31 Aug. 2026
Markets may decide that the long lead time required to rebuild Venezuelan production makes the agreement largely irrelevant to near-term supply.

— Robert Rapier, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of irrelevant

Adjective

In transport and mobile machinery, this direct integration converts exterior bodywork into an auxiliary power source.

— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026
Historic Preservation Commission members voted Thursday to approve exterior changes to the mansion’s original design plan as the building, now more than a century old, undergoes restoration and renovation as part of a new residential development.

— Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of exterior

Adjective

Maduro’s lawyers argued in papers filed Wednesday in Manhattan federal court that the indictment must be dismissed because heads of sovereign states are immune from criminal prosecution in foreign courts.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2026
The recent changes followed reports that some foreign residents had been driving up home prices or evading payments for their public health insurance.

— Christine Miyawaki, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of foreign

Adjective

Howard said there was a large volume of character, reputation, and extraneous information related to the Metcalfs.

— CBS Texas Staff, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
Judges should consider voluntary surrender for low-risk individuals who have demonstrated compliance, ensuring punishment aligns with the court's order without adding extraneous suffering.

— Walter Pavlo, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of extraneous

Adjective

This included expert witnesses who said the child’s death was an accidental drowning brought on by a seizure and a jailhouse informant who recanted his trial testimony that Duncan had confessed to the crime.

— Richard A. Webster, ProPublica, 31 Aug. 2026
In all three cases, authorities have appeared to suggest their deaths were accidental.

— Ryan Young, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026