Definition of variousnext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word various different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of various are different, disparate, divergent, and diverse. While all these words mean "unlike in kind or character," various stresses the number of sorts or kinds.

tried various methods

When could different be used to replace various?

While the synonyms different and various are close in meaning, different may imply little more than separateness but it may also imply contrast or contrariness.

different foods

When is it sensible to use disparate instead of various?

The synonyms disparate and various are sometimes interchangeable, but disparate emphasizes incongruity or incompatibility.

disparate notions of freedom

When would divergent be a good substitute for various?

Although the words divergent and various have much in common, divergent implies movement away from each other and unlikelihood of ultimate meeting or reconciliation.

went on to pursue divergent careers

When is diverse a more appropriate choice than various?

In some situations, the words diverse and various are roughly equivalent. However, diverse implies both distinctness and marked contrast.

such diverse interests as dancing and football

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of various On various podcasts and X social media postings, SpaceX founder Elon Musk has repeatedly stated that solving the reusable heat shield problem is one of the toughest problems the company faces. Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 27 July 2026 Even if an individual did not own shares directly tied to the transatlantic slave trade, the capital generated by the practice was funneled into various pillars of European society, embedded in architecture, statutes, and schools. Literary Hub, 27 July 2026 Earlier this summer, patrons at various revival theaters, bookshops, and video and record stores started to notice a new zine devoted to the love of movies. Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 27 July 2026 While the pattern does include shades of pink, blue, and green, the dress most notably shimmers in various shades of yellow. Katharina Fuchs, Vogue, 27 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for various
Recent Examples of Synonyms for various
Adjective
  • White wines might look more yellow, or reds may be brick-colored or brownish.
    Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 20 July 2026
  • The dark-colored wash is a nice, polished touch—even with their relaxed silhouette, and midriff bearing rise.
    Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 18 July 2026
Adjective
  • What to do nearby While the free continental breakfast is fine, do pop over to Madcap Coffee for an excellent roast, or take a short stroll to colorful SPKRBOX, a coffee bar by day that spins vinyl by night.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 July 2026
  • The platter comes with a table-full of colorful salads and dips, including pickles and olives imported from Israel.
    Connie Ogle July 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
Adjective
  • Another nuance to consider is workers’ varied ability to acclimatize, Curtarelli notes.
    Oliver Balch, Fortune, 27 July 2026
  • References were as varied as Martha Stewart, Ralph Lauren, and Vicky Cristina Barcelona.
    Sean Santiago, Vogue, 27 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Various.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/various. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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