extrinsic
adjective
ex·trin·sic
ek-ˈstrin-zik 
-ˈstrin(t)-sik
-ˈstrin(t)-sik
1
a
: not forming part of or belonging to a thing : extraneous
b
: originating from or on the outside
especially
: originating outside a part and acting upon the part as a whole
extrinsic muscles of the tongue
2
: external
Synonyms
Examples of extrinsic in a Sentence
You have to consider any extrinsic factors in the success of the business.
the fact that the ring belonged to your grandmother is extrinsic to its value to a jeweler
Recent Examples on the Web
But here's the brutal truth: External rewards—extrinsic motivators—rarely sustain us in the long run.
—
Akin Akinpelu, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
On the other hand, extrinsic goals are those that are imposed from outside of you or are influenced by culture.
—Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes, 26 Sep. 2024
The factors that trigger enamel loss can be intrinsic or extrinsic.
—Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 31 July 2024
The game itself didn’t bare much extrinsic weight, similar to Povich’s home debut at Camden Yards.
—Sam Cohn, Baltimore Sun, 13 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for extrinsic 
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Akin Akinpelu, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
On the other hand, extrinsic goals are those that are imposed from outside of you or are influenced by culture.
—Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes, 26 Sep. 2024
The factors that trigger enamel loss can be intrinsic or extrinsic.
—Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 31 July 2024
The game itself didn’t bare much extrinsic weight, similar to Povich’s home debut at Camden Yards.
—Sam Cohn, Baltimore Sun, 13 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for extrinsic
Dictionary Entries Near extrinsic
Cite this Entry
“Extrinsic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extrinsic. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
extrinsic
adjective
ex·trin·sic
ek-ˈstrin-zik
-ˈstrin(t)-sik
-ˈstrin(t)-sik
: not being part of or belonging to a thing : extraneous
Medical Definition
extrinsic
adjective
ex·trin·sic
ek-ˈstrin-zik
-ˈstrin(t)-sik
-ˈstrin(t)-sik
1
: originating or due to causes or factors from or on the outside of a body, organ, or part
renal tumors or cysts … causing extrinsic compression of the renal vasculature—Scientific American Medicine
Scientific American Medicine2
: originating outside a part and acting on the part as a whole
—used especially of certain muscles
the extrinsic muscles of the tongue
compare intrinsic sense 2
Legal Definition
extrinsic
adjective
ex·trin·sic
ek-ˈstrin-zik, -sik
: not contained in or occurring in something (as a contract)
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