Synonyms for

Foreign

Verb / ˈfɔ:rʌn / / ˈfɑ:rʌn / Another word for foreign — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

belonging to another country or nation; unfamiliar or strange

Synonyms & similar words

extraneous domestic native strange alien alien exotic overseas unknown unfamiliar external international extraneous imported offshore outlandish strange unaccustomed unfrequented unfrequently unusual external remote distant unconnected

Synonyms by register

Formal

alien extraneous external unfamiliar

Informal

outlandish weird strange new

Literary

exotic strange unearthly

Antonyms

native domestic local familiar innate indigenous national

Common collocations

  • foreign policy
  • foreign language
  • foreign country
  • foreign aid
  • foreign exchange
  • foreign correspondent
  • foreign body
  • foreign affairs

Word family

noun foreigner
adjective foreign
adverb foreignly

Usage note

Often used to describe things originating from outside one's own country or culture. Can sometimes carry a negative connotation of 'otherness'.

Example sentences

  1. I don't understand this foreign language.
  2. My cousin lives in a foreign country.
  3. The food in that restaurant was foreign to me.
  4. He traveled to many foreign lands.
  5. She was fascinated by foreign cultures.

Quotes

  • The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page. - Saint Augustine
  • The most important trip you may take in life is meeting people halfway. - Henry Boye
  • We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us. - Anonymous

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