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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.

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

Most Smart Sampa arrests have occurred in outlying neighborhoods, with many of those detained migrants from poorer regions of Brazil's interior.

From Barron's • Mar. 17, 2026

China’s coast guard said it was carrying out patrols in the waters around Taiwan and some of its outlying islands.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 29, 2025

“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

The sun was just a few hours from setting when they arrived at the base of the hill below the outlying shacks and huts.

From "The Kill Order (Maze Runner, Book Four; Origin)" by James Dashner