exterior

1 of 2

adjective

Synonyms of exteriornext
1
: being on an outside surface : situated on the outside
2
: observable by outward signs
His exterior quietness is belied by an occasional nervous twitch …—Current Biography
3
: suitable for use on outside surfaces
exterior paint
exteriorly adverb

exterior

2 of 2

noun

1
a
: an exterior part or surface : outside
b
: outward manner or appearance
2
: a representation (as on stage or film) of an outdoor scene
also : a scene filmed outdoors

Synonyms of exterior

Examples of exterior in a Sentence

Adjective the house's exterior walls badly need to be painted Noun The building has a rather plain exterior. the exterior of the tooth consists of very hard enamel
Recent Examples on the Web
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Adjective
The Leon County Sheriff’s Office obtained footage from exterior cameras at the library. — Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 24 Oct. 2026 Its exterior styling is modern and Scandinavian-like, with a steel base, pale thermally treated timber, and a metal roof. — New Atlas, 23 Oct. 2026
Noun
Beneath that Taylor Swift-loving exterior, there must be a Bin Laden fighting to get out. — Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026 As head-turning as the concept’s exterior may be, its interior is where Sühlmann was best able to wed the brand’s past with its future. — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for exterior

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Latin, comparative of exter, exterus being on the outside, foreign, from ex

First Known Use

Adjective

1528, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1591, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of exterior was in 1528

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Exterior.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exterior. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

exterior

1 of 2 adjective
1
: situated on the outside
2
3
: suitable for use on outside surfaces
exterior paint
exteriorly adverb

exterior

2 of 2 noun
1
: an exterior part or surface : outside
2
: visible manner or appearance
a calm exterior

Medical Definition

exterior

adjective
: being on an outside surface : situated on the outside
exteriorly adverb
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