stranger
8 synonyms and 8 antonyms for stranger, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A person you do not know.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use stranger
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
complete stranger
no stranger to
talk to strangers
Etymology
From Old French "estrangier" ("foreign"), ultimately from Latin "extraneus" — the same root as "strange" and "estrange."
Full origin of stranger →Frequently asked questions
What does “stranger” mean?
The word “stranger” means a person you do not know. In plain terms, someone you don't know, or someone unused to a particular thing.
How do you pronounce “stranger”?
“Stranger” is pronounced STRAYND-zhuh (/ˈstɹeɪnd͡ʒɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “stranger” in a sentence?
Here is “stranger” used in a sentence: “Her mother always warned her not to talk to strangers.”
What is another word for “stranger”?
Words with a similar meaning to “stranger” include newcomer and beginner.
What is the opposite of “stranger”?
The opposite of “stranger” — its antonyms — are acquaintance, compatriot, friend, countryman and fellow citizen.
What part of speech is “stranger”?
“Stranger” is a noun.
Where does the word “stranger” come from?
The word “stranger” comes from Latin. From Old French "estrangier" ("foreign"), ultimately from Latin "extraneus" — the same root as "strange" and "estrange.".
Is “stranger” a common word?
“Stranger” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between a stranger and an acquaintance?
A stranger is a person you do not know at all. An acquaintance is someone you have met and know slightly, but not closely. The key difference is that you have had some contact with an acquaintance.
What is the difference between a stranger and a foreigner?
A stranger is simply a person you do not know, regardless of where they come from. A foreigner is someone from another country. A person from your own town can be a stranger, but only someone from abroad is a foreigner.
