Crossword Genius

Criminal cross — it's nicer outside (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

extrinsic

'outside' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)

'criminal cross it's nicer' is the wordplay.
'criminal' is an anagram indicator.
'cross' becomes 'x' (an X is a cross).
'x'+'its'+'nicer'='xitsnicer'
'xitsnicer' with letters rearranged gives 'EXTRINSIC'.

(Other definitions for extrinsic that I've seen before include "What's inessential" , "Not essential or inherent" , "Foreign" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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