otherness

noun

oth·er·ness ˈə-t͟hər-nəs

Synonyms of otherness

: the quality or state of being other or different

: something that is other or different

Examples of otherness in a Sentence

As an American growing up in Africa, I always felt a sense of otherness. the otherness of their small religious community

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.

But Jack’s otherness also worked against him. — Joyce Johnson, New Yorker, 23 May 2026 There’s a lot of ways to tackle otherness and discrimination. — Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 10 Jan. 2026 Maintaining the otherness of different people is a mark of dignity and respect for them and for oneself. — Tim Brinkhof, JSTOR Daily, 22 Apr. 2026 Heathcliff’s racial ambiguity — so central to the novel’s violence and otherness — is feebly erased. — Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 11 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for otherness

Word History

First Known Use

1587, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of otherness was in 1587

See more words from the same year

Browse Nearby Words

other man

otherness

othersome

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Otherness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/otherness. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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otherness

noun

Synonyms of otherness

Examples of otherness in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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