Definitions

outgoing

[out-goh-ing, -goh-] / ˈaʊtˌgoʊ ɪŋ, -ˈgoʊ- /

ADJECTIVE

demonstrative, extroverted

Synonyms

STRONG

open warm

WEAK

approachable civil communicative cordial easy expansive extrovert friendly genial gregarious informal kind sociable sympathetic unconstrained unreserved unrestrained

Antonyms

WEAK

introverted reclusive shy

ADJECTIVE

leaving

Synonyms

STRONG

departing last retiring withdrawing

WEAK

ex- former migratory outbound outward-bound past

Antonyms

STRONGEST

incoming

WEAK

arriving entering

Frequently Asked Questions

What is another word for outgoing?

social Outgoing is commonly used to describe a person who actively participates in socializing and seeks out opportunities to socialize. A close synonym is extroverted. Outgoing people are often described as social, sociable, or gregarious. Such people are often friendly and talkative. departing Outgoing is also used to describe things that are… going out—in other words, leaving or departing. For example, when a new president is elected, you might refer to the one leaving office as the outgoing president. (After departure from office is complete, the terms former and ex- are commonly used.) This sense of outgoing is commonly used in the context of things like trains and mail. In these contexts, a close synonym is outbound. A similar term is outward-bound. expenses In the U.K., the word outgoings is used as another word for expenses or expenditures—money paid out or spent. This is more formally known as disbursement or outlay. Essentially, bills.

How is outgoing different from sociable?

Outgoing and sociable are pretty close synonyms. They can both be applied to people (or personalities), and they both suggest that someone thrives in social situations, which they often initiate. However, sociable can be used more broadly to describe situations that involve socializing, as in I had a sociable day—I went to two separate office parties and then happy hour.

What is the opposite (antonym) of outgoing?

The opposite of outgoing in the sense of sociable and extroverted is introverted. Such people are sometimes described as reserved, shy, or bashful. Just because someone isn’t outgoing doesn’t necessarily mean they are unfriendly, antisocial, or standoffish. Being introverted often just means a person prefers more time to themself and is more comfortable socializing in situations with fewer people. Opposites of the sense outgoing that means leaving or departing include incoming and inbound. For example, outgoing mail is mail to be sent out; incoming mail is mail that has been delivered.

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.

The same rough edges that endeared Porter to many voters have also alienated some Democratic insiders and interest groups whose support could prove critical in the race to replace outgoing Gov. Gavin Newsom.

From Los Angeles Times • May 11, 2026

One longtime friend was surprised by reports characterizing Rana as a gauche underperformer, having known Rana as an outgoing person with a dry, quick sense of humor and an intense work ethic.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 9, 2026

They see the dissents as less of a slight to outgoing Fed Chair Jerome Powell and more of a warning to Warsh about trying to cut immediately.

From MarketWatch • May 1, 2026

Tim Cook, Apple's outgoing chief executive, said that recent demand for the iPhone had been "extraordinary," setting a sales record for the quarter.

From BBC • Apr. 30, 2026

A few blocks from the stadium, they pulled into the crescent-shaped driveway of the New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal, where incoming and outgoing Amtrak trains and Greyhound buses docked.

From "Zeitoun" by Dave Eggers

outgoing

Frequently Asked Questions

Example Sentences

Vocabulary lists containing outgoing

"Genes: All in the Family" and "How to See DNA"

Save Me a Seat

Song for a Whale

outgoing

Frequently Asked Questions

Example Sentences

Related Words

Vocabulary lists containing outgoing

"Genes: All in the Family" and "How to See DNA"

Save Me a Seat

Song for a Whale