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 Organizers cited opposition to various administration policies, including immigration, social program funding cuts and the use of the National Guard. Stephanie Murray, AZCentral.com, 18 Oct. 2025 While most of the squad have returned to their various European clubs, the select J-League representatives return home to play their part in the climax of what is shaping up to be another thrilling title fight. Jack Bantock, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025 Earlier this year, the short took home multiple awards across various festivals including the Golden Gate Mid-Length Film Award from the San Francisco Film Festival, Best Drama Short from Out on Film in Atlanta, and both the Canal+ and audience awards at the Clermont-Ferrand Short Film Festival. Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 17 Oct. 2025 Health inspectors discovered 77 dead German cockroaches as well as six live cockroaches and two dying roaches in various areas, including near the water heater room and on and in the dry food storage room. Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 17 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for various
Recent Examples of Synonyms for various
Adjective
  • The clip was shared from Fritzi (@fritzicaramelle), a TikTok account charting the dog’s varied adventures with her owners.
    Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025
  • The reactions were very, very varied.
    Damon Wise, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Hamas says at least 27 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces over the last week; Israeli officials said troops fired to prevent incursions across the yellow line, which is now being marked with colored stanchions as a clearer warning.
    Jason Ma, Fortune, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Demi Moore’s hip length-plus, raven-colored hair is a signature.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Grand Slam winners get a colorful Grand Slam Award sticker.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Hipp evokes an opulent playhouse, with a bold palette, swathes of rich velvet, and plenty of colorful art.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 14 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Various.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/various. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on various

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