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Definitions

outlying

[out-lahy-ing] / ˈaʊtˌlaɪ ɪŋ /
ADJECTIVE
in rural area; remote
Synonyms
STRONGEST
backwoods far-flung faraway outer
WEAK
afar distant external far-off off-lying out-of-the-way peripheral provincial removed
Antonyms
WEAK
central inner middle

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.

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

Beijing quickly retaliated by sending Chinese coast guard vessels into waters around disputed islands and military drones near an outlying Japanese island.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 30, 2025

“The outlying areas are very attractive to retirees. Smaller communities outside the big metros still offer many of the same features but with more affordability,” Smart said.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 4, 2025

Shetland Islands Council says it is pushing ahead with plans to build tunnels to four outlying isles in the archipelago including Unst, the most northerly place in the UK.

From BBC • Jul. 14, 2025

More were still coming in from outlying farms.

From "The Return of the King" by J.R.R. Tolkien