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Synonyms

outlying

American  
[out-lahy-ing] / ˈaʊtˌlaɪ ɪŋ /

adjective

  1. lying lying lie at a distance from the center or the main body; remote; out-of-the-way.

    outlying military posts.

  2. lying lying lie outside the boundary or limit.


outlying British  
/ ˈaʊtˌlaɪɪŋ /

adjective

  1. distant or remote from the main body or centre, as of a town or region

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of outlying

First recorded in 1655–65; out- + lying 2

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

More recently, Taiwanese authorities said they are investigating another Chinese vessel, which was sent to recover a stranded fishing boat, for possibly damaging a cable near one of its outlying islands last month.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

After the meeting, Kingsnorth said, “We’re ready to pause if we need to because of the outlying state of the world.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 20, 2026

Although recovery efforts were under way in parts of the city, some outlying areas remained at risk as a nearby river overflowed, forcing another 500 people to evacuate on Thursday morning.

From Barron's • Jan. 8, 2026

“There’s a movement toward smaller cities and community areas. People are moving beyond the cities to the outlying areas,” said Tim Smart, contributing editor at U.S.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 4, 2025

He circled the outlying communities, their dwellings dark.

From "The Giver" by Lois Lowry