Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for outgoing.
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.

Shin is set to succeed outgoing BOK Gov. Rhee Chang-yong, whose term ends April 20, ahead of the next rate-setting meeting in May.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

Hungary belonged in the EU no matter what the outgoing government was planning, Magyar stressed, adding that it was his country's interests to join the eurozone.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

On March 23, a few days after Halioua’s frightening ordeal, the transport ministry limited flights to one per hour and capped each outgoing flight at 50 passengers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

Last month, outgoing director general Tim Davie said the BBC "profoundly regrets" what happened, adding that the team editing the ceremony had not heard the word and did not intentionally leave it in.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

I'd even recorded an outgoing message with Evan in mind.

From "Americanized" by Sara Saedi

Vocabulary lists containing outgoing

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

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Save Me a Seat

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Stand Up, Yumi Chung!

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!