outsider

noun

out·​sid·​er ˌau̇t-ˈsī-dər How to pronounce outsider (audio)
ˈau̇t-ˌsī-
Synonyms of outsidernext
1
: a person who does not belong to a particular group
2
chiefly British : a contender not expected to win
outsiderness noun

Synonyms of outsider

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Examples of outsider in a Sentence

To outsiders, the ritual may seem strange. She felt like an outsider in her new school. An outsider defeated the champion! She was a rank outsider who managed to win.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
From songs that spoke to working women and outsiders to philanthropy that changed lives, Parton left a mark far beyond country music. — Dana Taylor, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026 Publishing houses have traditionally seen the novella as an outsider, a stepchild to the real book—the novel. — Literary Hub, 27 Aug. 2026 Carney framed himself as an outsider uniquely positioned to meet the challenges Canada would soon face from America. — Desiree Adib, ABC News, 27 Aug. 2026 Engelbert has presided over a period of impressive growth, no question, and the real problem rests with outsiders advancing their agendas and chasing their votes. — Ian O'Connor, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for outsider

Word History

First Known Use

1800, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of outsider was in 1800

Rhymes for outsider

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Browse Nearby Words

outside quire
outsider
outsider art
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Cite this Entry

“Outsider.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outsider. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

outsider

noun
out·​sid·​er (ˈ)au̇t-ˈsīd-ər How to pronounce outsider (audio)
: a person who does not belong to a particular group
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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