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
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.
Adjective
Locate plants kept indoors over winter away from exterior doors or drafty windows. Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 June 2026 The interior base is lined with the same suede used on the sandals, while the exterior bottom features Birkenstock’s recognizable bone-pattern outsole. Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 28 June 2026
Noun
Use the soap and vinegar solution to scrub the exterior of the trash can and rinse. Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 3 July 2026 The exterior of the Dar al Funoon Abu Dhabi has the hallmarks of Gehry’s style. New Atlas, 2 July 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

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Cite this Entry

“Exterior.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exterior. Accessed 7 Jul. 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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