Synonyms for ‘Foreigner’: Definitions, Usage, and Examples in English

The English word “foreigner” is commonly used to describe a person who comes from another country or is not native to a particular place. However, the English language offers a rich variety of synonyms for “foreigner,” each carrying its own shades of meaning, level of formality, and cultural nuance.

Understanding the differences between these synonyms is crucial in academic writing, professional communication, and everyday conversation. Choosing the right term can affect clarity, politeness, and even social sensitivity.

For example, some synonyms may sound formal or legalistic, while others could be considered outdated or even offensive.

This article is designed for:

English language learners (ELLs), ESL/EFL students
Teachers and educators
Writers and translators
Anyone interested in communicating with cultural awareness and precision

In this comprehensive guide, you will find:

Definitions and etymology of “foreigner” and its synonyms
Structural breakdowns, including grammatical function and register
Categories by legal status, duration, connotation, and regional variation
Extensive example sentences and usage tables
Rules for appropriate usage, common mistakes, and cultural considerations
Practice exercises with detailed answers
Advanced discussions on language change and sociolinguistics

Definition Section
Structural Breakdown
Types or Categories
Examples Section
Usage Rules
Common Mistakes
Practice Exercises
Advanced Topics
FAQ Section
Conclusion

Definition Section

3.1. Core Meaning of “Foreigner”

The word “foreigner” originates from the Old French forain (“outsider; foreigner”), and from the Latin foris (“outside”). Its first recorded use in English dates back to the 15th century.

Standard dictionary definitions include:

Oxford English Dictionary: “A person born in or coming from a country other than one’s own.”
Merriam-Webster: “A person belonging to or owing allegiance to a foreign country.”

“Foreigner” is a countable noun and is used to refer to one or more people who are not natives of a particular country or place.

3.2. Synonyms: An Overview

A synonym is a word that has the same or nearly the same meaning as another word. Synonyms for “foreigner” often fall within the same semantic field, but their meanings and connotations may overlap only partially.

Table 1: Primary Synonyms of “Foreigner” with Short Definitions

Synonym	Short Definition
Alien	A person from another country; especially a non-citizen (often legal term)
Immigrant	Someone who comes to live permanently in a foreign country
Expatriate (Expat)	A person living temporarily or permanently in a country other than their own
Visitor	Someone who is in a place temporarily and is not a native or resident
Outsider	Someone who does not belong to a particular group, place, or community
Stranger	A person whom one does not know or who is not familiar
Newcomer	Someone who has recently arrived in a place
Tourist	A person visiting a place for pleasure, not as a resident
Guest	Someone invited to stay in a place; non-local visitor
Non-native	Someone not born or naturally belonging to a place

3.3. Grammatical Function and Usage

Most synonyms of “foreigner” are nouns and can serve as the subject (“The foreigner spoke English”), object (“I met a foreigner”), or complement (“He is a foreigner”) in a sentence.

Some words also have related adjectives (“foreign,” “alien”) or can be used attributively (“foreign student”).

3.4. Register and Tone

Different synonyms vary in formality and tone. For example:

“Alien” is formal, legalistic, and sometimes outdated or offensive.
“Foreigner” is neutral but can be impersonal or unfriendly in some contexts.
“Visitor” or “guest” are more polite and friendly.

Choose synonyms carefully to match the context and desired respect or politeness.

Structural Breakdown

4.1. Parts of Speech of Synonyms

Most synonyms for “foreigner” are nouns. Some have adjectival forms.

Table 2: Synonyms Classified by Part of Speech

Synonym	Part of Speech	Adjectival/Related Forms
Foreigner	Noun	Foreign (adj.)
Alien	Noun/Adj.	Alien (adj.)
Immigrant	Noun	Immigrant (adj.)
Expatriate	Noun/Adj.	Expatriate (adj.)
Visitor	Noun	Visiting (adj.)
Outsider	Noun	Outside (adj.)
Stranger	Noun	Strange (adj.)
Newcomer	Noun	New (adj.)
Tourist	Noun	Touristic (adj.)
Guest	Noun	Guest (adj., rare)
Non-native	Noun/Adj.	Non-native (adj.)

4.2. Countable vs. Uncountable Usage

“Foreigner” and most synonyms are countable nouns:

“There are many foreigners in this city.”
“Several tourists visited the museum.”

Some terms (like “alien”) can also be used in uncountable or collective sense in legal or academic writing (“alien status”).

Note: “Aliens” is the plural for people; “alien” (uncountable or adjective) is used for status or description.

4.3. Modifiers and Collocations

Certain adjectives and verbs are commonly used with each synonym. Knowing typical collocations helps produce natural English.

Table 3: Common Modifiers/Verbs + Synonym

Synonym	Common Modifiers	Common Verbs
Foreigner	illegal, legal, foreign, visiting	meet, welcome, treat, see
Alien	illegal, legal, resident, non-resident	admit, register, deport, classify
Immigrant	new, undocumented, legal, skilled	admit, support, sponsor, naturalize
Expatriate	British, American, long-term, retired	live, work, return, settle
Visitor	temporary, foreign, international	receive, guide, host, welcome
Tourist	foreign, local, international	visit, attract, guide, accommodate

4.4. Derivational Variants

Several synonyms have derivational forms:

“Foreigner”: plural “foreigners”; adjective “foreign”
“Alien”: plural “aliens”; adjective “alien”
“Expatriate”: informal “expat,” plural “expats”
“Immigrant”: plural “immigrants”; adjective “immigrant” (as in “immigrant community”)

Pluralization is regular for most synonyms, except for rare exceptions in legal or technical use.

Types or Categories

5.1. By Legal Status

The choice of synonym can depend on a person’s legal status. For example, “alien” is a legal term in the US, while “immigrant” describes someone seeking permanent residence.

Table 4: Synonyms by Legal/Immigration Status

Legal Status	Common Synonyms	Notes
Non-citizen (legal)	Alien, foreign national, non-resident	Formal/legal documents
Permanent resident	Immigrant, resident alien	Immigrant implies intent to stay
Temporary visitor	Visitor, tourist, guest	Short stay, no permanent settlement
Expatriate	Expatriate, expat	Often educated professionals, temporary or long-term
Illegal/non-documented	Illegal alien, undocumented immigrant	Legal terms; “undocumented” is more neutral

5.2. By Duration of Stay

Tourist, visitor, guest: Short-term
Expatriate, immigrant, resident: Long-term or permanent
Newcomer: Recently arrived (duration may be short or long)

5.3. By Relationship to Native/Local Population

Outsider, stranger: Not part of the local group or community
Newcomer: Recently joined a group/place
Guest: Invited or welcomed by locals

5.4. By Connotation (Neutral, Positive, Negative)

Some synonyms are neutral, while others may have positive or negative associations.

Table 5: Synonyms Categorized by Connotation

Connotation	Synonyms	Notes
Neutral	Foreigner, immigrant, expatriate, visitor, tourist, newcomer	Depends on context
Positive	Guest, visitor, expat	Implies welcome or respect
Negative	Alien, outsider, stranger	May imply exclusion or unfamiliarity
Pejorative/historical	Alien, outlander (rare), stranger (sometimes)	Use with caution; may be outdated or offensive

5.5. Regional and Cultural Variations

“Alien” is more common in US legal language than in the UK, where “foreign national” is preferred.
Some terms, like “expat,” are more popular in certain English-speaking countries (e.g., the UK, Singapore).

Cultural attitudes may affect which terms are considered polite or acceptable.

Examples Section

6.1. Basic Example Sentences (Core Synonyms)

Foreigner: “The foreigner asked for directions to the museum.”
Alien: “According to the law, an alien must carry identification at all times.”
Immigrant: “Many immigrants contribute greatly to the country’s economy.”
Expatriate: “The expatriate community in Dubai is very large.”
Visitor: “Visitors are required to sign in at the front desk.”
Tourist: “The city is always crowded with tourists in summer.”
Outsider: “He felt like an outsider at the village festival.”
Stranger: “She was cautious of strangers in the new city.”
Newcomer: “As a newcomer, he was eager to make friends.”
Guest: “Our guests from abroad arrived yesterday.”
Non-native: “Non-native speakers sometimes struggle with idioms.”

Table 6: Side-by-side Example Sentences Using Different Synonyms

Sentence with “Foreigner”	Sentence with Synonym
The foreigner found the customs confusing.	The visitor found the customs confusing.
She is a foreigner in this country.	She is an expatriate in this country.
They welcomed the foreigner warmly.	They welcomed the guest warmly.
Foreigners often visit this city.	Tourists often visit this city.
He is considered a foreigner by locals.	He is considered an outsider by locals.

6.2. Synonyms in Formal vs. Informal Contexts

Formal: “All non-resident aliens must file tax returns.”
Informal: “I met a new expat at the bar last night.”
Neutral: “Newcomers are encouraged to join the community meeting.”

6.3. Synonyms in Historical or Literary Usage

“He wandered as a stranger in a strange land.” (Biblical phrase)
“The act prohibits the employment of illegal aliens.” (Legal/journalistic)
“The outlander was viewed with suspicion.” (Literary, now rare)

6.4. Collocations and Phrasal Usage

Foreign national
Illegal alien
Expat community
Tourist visa
Guest worker
Resident alien
International visitor
Newcomer orientation

6.5. Synonyms in Different Grammatical Positions

Table 7: Synonyms in Different Grammatical Positions

Position	Example with “Foreigner”	Example with Synonym
Subject	The foreigner spoke clearly.	The immigrant spoke clearly.
Object	They helped the foreigner.	They helped the visitor.
Possessive	The foreigner’s accent was noticeable.	The expat’s accent was noticeable.
Predicate	She is a foreigner.	She is a non-native.

6.6. Idiomatic and Figurative Uses

“A stranger in a strange land”
“He felt like an outsider looking in.”
“Welcoming newcomers is a community value.”

6.7. Comprehensive Example List

The foreigner struggled to understand local customs.
Aliens must obtain a visa to work here.
The immigrant community is growing rapidly.
Many expats gather at this café.
Visitors should not feed the animals.
The city attracts millions of tourists annually.
He was treated as an outsider because of his accent.
Strangers should not be trusted immediately.
Newcomers often feel overwhelmed at first.
Our guests enjoyed their stay with us.
Non-natives may need extra help learning the language.
The foreign national was granted citizenship.
Illegal aliens face deportation.
Expatriates often seek familiar foods from home.
Tourists must respect local traditions.
She is a guest in our country.
Outsiders were rarely welcomed in the small town.
Every newcomer received a welcome gift.
Foreigners are required to register with the authorities.
Many immigrants send money to their families abroad.
The expat community hosts regular events.
Visitors enjoyed the museum exhibition.
Tourists snapped photos of the monument.
Outsiders sometimes find it hard to adapt.
Strangers were not allowed after dark.
The newcomer quickly made friends.
Our guests left glowing reviews.
Non-native plants can sometimes become invasive.
The foreigner’s perspective was valuable.
Aliens are subject to different tax rules.
Immigrants often face challenges adjusting.
Long-term expatriates sometimes miss their homeland.
Temporary visitors need a permit.
Tourists often get lost in the city.
He was treated as an outsider at school.
Strangers approached the group cautiously.
Newcomers were invited to the event.
Our international guests arrived last night.
Non-natives may struggle with pronunciation.
The foreign national attended the ceremony.
Illegal aliens are not eligible for benefits.
Expatriates formed a soccer team.
Tourists lined up at the famous restaurant.
Guests are welcome to use the library.
Outsiders seldom understand our traditions.
Every newcomer brought a unique story.
Foreigners must respect local laws.

Usage Rules

7.1. Formality and Appropriateness

Use “alien” in legal or government contexts, not in polite conversation.
“Foreigner” is generally neutral but may sound impersonal; avoid it in sensitive contexts.
“Expat” is informal and often used among professionals or social groups.
“Guest” and “visitor” are polite and suitable for hospitality contexts.
“Stranger” and “outsider” can sound negative or exclusive; use with care.

7.2. Contextual Restrictions

Table 8: Appropriate Synonym Selection by Context

Context	Best Synonym(s)	Notes
Legal/immigration forms	Alien, foreign national	Legal definitions; avoid in conversation
Academic writing	Immigrant, expatriate, non-native	“Foreigner” may be too general
Social/hospitality	Guest, visitor, newcomer	Polite and welcoming
Travel/tourism	Tourist, visitor	Refers to temporary stay
Conversation	Foreigner, expat, visitor	Depends on tone and relationship

7.3. Gender and Number Agreement

All synonyms are gender-neutral; use “he,” “she,” or “they” as appropriate.
Plural forms: foreigners, immigrants, expats, visitors, tourists, aliens, etc.

7.4. Position in Sentence

As subject: “The visitor arrived on time.”
As object: “They welcomed the newcomer.”
As complement/predicate noun: “He is an immigrant.”
As possessive: “The guest’s luggage was lost.”

7.5. Exceptions and Special Cases

“Alien” is increasingly avoided outside legal contexts due to negative connotations.
“Outlander” and similar terms are rare and can sound archaic or literary.
Some terms have developed pejorative meanings over time; use the most neutral, respectful language possible.

Common Mistakes

8.1. Incorrect Synonym Substitution

Do not mix up synonyms with different meanings or connotations.

Table 9: Incorrect vs. Correct Usage Examples

Incorrect	Correct	Explanation
He is an immigrant for the weekend.	He is a visitor for the weekend.	“Immigrant” implies permanent move, not a short visit.
All aliens must sign the guestbook.	All visitors must sign the guestbook.	“Alien” is legal; “visitor” is for hospitality.
The guest applied for citizenship.	The immigrant applied for citizenship.	“Guest” is temporary; “immigrant” is permanent.
We met some foreigners at the expat bar.	We met some expats at the expat bar.	“Expats” is the natural term for such a place.
She is a tourist in New York for three years.	She is an expatriate in New York for three years.	“Tourist” is for short visits; “expatriate” fits long stays.

8.2. Register and Tone Errors

Using formal legal terms (“alien”) in casual speech can sound cold or rude.
Referring to a new colleague as a “foreigner” may seem unfriendly.
“Guest” is rarely used for permanent residents.

8.3. Pluralization and Article Use

Correct: “Many immigrants live here.” Incorrect: “Many immigrant live here.”
Correct: “An expat,” “expats,” “a newcomer,” “newcomers.”
Article “an” is used before words starting with vowel sounds: “an alien,” “an outsider.”

8.4. Cultural Sensitivity Issues

Avoid outdated or pejorative terms like “alien” or “outlander” unless quoting legal/literary texts.
Be aware that “foreigner” may sound exclusionary in some contexts.

8.5. Misuse in Collocations

Incorrect: “foreigner worker” Correct: “foreign worker”
Incorrect: “touristic guest” Correct: “tourist guest” or “tourist”

Practice Exercises

9.1. Fill-in-the-Blank Exercises

The city is welcoming to __________ from other countries.
All __________ must show their passports at the border.
He is an __________ who moved here for work.
During the summer, the beach is crowded with __________.
New __________ often struggle to adapt to the culture.
The law requires every __________ to register with the authorities.
Our __________ from France will arrive tonight.
__________ sometimes face challenges integrating.
She is a(n) __________ living in Spain for five years.
__________ should respect local customs and rules.
He was treated as an __________ by the local community.
Many __________ send money home to their families.
__________ are advised to attend the orientation session.
The country has a large __________ community.
__________ attending the conference must register in advance.

9.2. Error Correction Exercises

Identify and correct the mistakes in the following sentences.

She is an immigrant for a two-week holiday.
The tourist applied for permanent residency.
All aliens must sign the guestbook at the hotel.
The guest has lived here for ten years and became a citizen.
We met several foreigner at the museum.
He is an expat for the weekend.
Every newcomers attended the event.
She is a stranger in this city for five years.
He is an outsider for a business trip.
Illegal tourists face deportation.

9.3. Synonym Identification

Select the most appropriate synonym for each context.

A person visiting a country for a short holiday: ___
Someone living abroad for work, not as a permanent resident: ___
A non-citizen as defined by US law: ___
A recently arrived person in a new city: ___
A group of people not belonging to the local community: ___
A person seeking to become a permanent resident: ___
A polite term for someone staying in your home: ___
Someone you don’t know at all: ___
A group of people visiting a museum: ___
A non-native English speaker: ___

9.4. Sentence Construction

Write original sentences using the specified synonym.

Foreigner
Expatriate
Tourist
Newcomer
Guest
Immigrant
Visitor

9.5. Matching Exercises

Table 10: Matching Synonyms and Contexts

Synonym	Definition/Context
Tourist	A person visiting a place for pleasure
Alien	Legal term for a non-citizen
Guest	Someone invited to stay or visit
Expatriate	Someone living abroad, often for work
Newcomer	A person who has recently arrived
Outsider	Not belonging to a group or place
Immigrant	Someone moving to a country to live permanently
Stranger	A person not known or familiar
Visitor	Someone staying temporarily
Non-native	Someone not originating from a place

9.6. Answers and Explanations

Fill-in-the-Blank Answers:

foreigners
aliens / visitors / foreigners (context-dependent)
immigrant
tourists
newcomers
alien / foreigner
guest
immigrants
expatriate / expat
Visitors / foreigners / tourists
outsider
immigrants
Newcomers
expatriate / immigrant / foreigner (depending on context)
Visitors / guests / newcomers

Error Correction Answers:

She is a visitor for a two-week holiday.
The immigrant applied for permanent residency.
All guests/visitors must sign the guestbook at the hotel.
The resident/immigrant has lived here for ten years and became a citizen.
We met several foreigners at the museum.
He is a(n) visitor for the weekend.
Every newcomer attended the event.
She has been a stranger in this city for five years. (Better: She has lived in this city for five years as a foreigner/newcomer.)
He is a(n) visitor for a business trip.
Illegal aliens/immigrants face deportation.

Synonym Identification Answers:

Tourist
Expatriate / Expat
Alien
Newcomer
Outsider
Immigrant
Guest
Stranger
Visitors / tourists
Non-native

Sentence Construction (Sample Answers):

The foreigner found the language difficult at first.
As an expatriate, she missed her home country.
The tourist admired the city’s architecture.
The newcomer quickly adapted to local life.
Our guest enjoyed the traditional meal.
The immigrant started a business downtown.
Every visitor received a welcome packet.

Matching Exercise Answers:

Tourist – A person visiting a place for pleasure
Alien – Legal term for a non-citizen
Guest – Someone invited to stay or visit
Expatriate – Someone living abroad, often for work
Newcomer – A person who has recently arrived
Outsider – Not belonging to a group or place
Immigrant – Someone moving to a country to live permanently
Stranger – A person not known or familiar
Visitor – Someone staying temporarily
Non-native – Someone not originating from a place

Advanced Topics

10.1. Semantic Shifts and Historical Usage

Many terms for “foreigner” have shifted in meaning over time. For example, “alien” was once purely legal and neutral, but now often carries negative or science-fiction connotations. “Stranger” used to mean any unknown person but is now rarely used for international visitors.

10.2. Synonyms in Legal and Immigration Language

“Alien” is a specific legal term in US and some Commonwealth law, meaning any person who is not a citizen or national.
“Non-national” and “foreign national” are used in British and Canadian legal contexts.
“Expatriate” is often not used in legal documents, but is common in social or employment contexts.

10.3. Sociolinguistics and Pragmatics

Choosing a synonym reflects social attitudes, power dynamics, and identity. “Expat” often suggests privilege, while “immigrant” may suggest struggle or marginalization. The term used can affect how a person is perceived and treated.

10.4. Euphemism Treadmill and Language Change

As words like “alien” and “foreigner” gain negative associations, new terms (“foreign national,” “international visitor”) are developed to avoid offense. Over time, even these can become problematic.

10.5. Corpus Analysis and Frequency

Modern English corpora show that “foreigner,” “immigrant,” and “tourist” are among the most common terms. “Alien” is now rare outside legal documents, while “expat” is increasingly common in lifestyle and business writing.

Synonym	Commonness (High/Medium/Low)	Main Contexts
Foreigner	Medium	General, journalism, sometimes negative
Immigrant	High	News, policy, academic contexts
Expat(riate)	Medium	Business, social, lifestyle
Alien	Low	Legal, science fiction
Tourist	High	Travel, hospitality
Visitor	Medium	Travel, hospitality, education

FAQ Section

What is the difference between “foreigner” and “alien”?
“Foreigner” is a general term for someone from another country. “Alien” is a formal/legal term in the US for a non-citizen, but it can sound outdated or negative in conversation.
Is it offensive to call someone a “foreigner”?
It can be, depending on the context and tone. It sometimes sounds impersonal or exclusionary; use more specific or polite terms (“guest,” “visitor,” “international student”) when possible.
When should I use “expatriate” instead of “immigrant”?
Use “expatriate” or “expat” for people living abroad temporarily or for work, often with privilege. “Immigrant” usually refers to someone moving permanently, often seeking citizenship.
What synonyms for “foreigner” are formal vs. informal?
Formal: “alien,” “foreign national,” “immigrant.”
Informal: “expat,” “newcomer,” “visitor.”
Are there any synonyms that are now considered outdated or rude?
Yes. “Alien” is often avoided outside legal contexts. “Outlander” is archaic. Even “foreigner” can sound impolite in sensitive contexts.
How do British and American English differ in using these synonyms?
“Alien” is common in US legal English, rare in the UK. The UK prefers “foreign national.” “Expat” is widely used in both.
Can “stranger” be used as a synonym for “foreigner”?
Sometimes, but “stranger” usually means someone unknown, not necessarily foreign. Avoid using it as a direct synonym for “foreigner.”
What is the legal definition of “alien” in English-speaking countries?
In US law, an “alien” is any person who is not a citizen or national of the US. The term is similar in other countries but usage varies.
How do I use “visitor,” “guest,” and “tourist” correctly?
“Visitor” is for anyone staying temporarily. “Guest” is someone invited or hosted. “Tourist” refers to someone traveling for leisure.
What is the plural of “alien”? Is “aliens” correct?
Yes, “aliens” is the correct plural form.
Are there adjectives related to “foreigner”?
Yes: “foreign,” “alien,” “non-native,” “immigrant” (as in “immigrant population”).
How can I avoid being culturally insensitive when referring to someone from another country?
Use respectful and specific terms. Avoid outdated or pejorative words. When in doubt, use “international visitor,” “guest,” or ask the person’s preference.

Conclusion

Mastering the synonyms for “foreigner” is essential for precise and respectful communication in English. Each synonym carries unique connotations, levels of formality, and cultural meanings.

Always consider the context and the feelings of your audience when choosing a term.

Language changes over time, and what is polite or neutral today may not be so tomorrow. Stay curious and sensitive to these changes, and continue learning about related topics, such as synonyms for “immigrant,” “visitor,” or “expatriate,” to further enrich your vocabulary and cross-cultural understanding.

Table of Contents