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 Lightrocket | Getty Images Many in the industry have argued that creating bundles between various streaming services is the most consumer-friendly and profit-driving alternative to the current decentralized ecosystem. Lillian Rizzo, CNBC, 24 Aug. 2026 OpenAI faces a litany of lawsuits and investigations by various states. Hadas Gold, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026 Scientists are working on various approaches to make this possible, but doing so would also require quantum properties to work at room temperature. Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 24 Aug. 2026 Chase has been in the Blumhouse Atomic Monster business for several years, developing various properties before Out of the Further emerged. Aaron Couch, HollywoodReporter, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for various
Recent Examples of Synonyms for various
Adjective
  • This 24-ounce stainless steel Owala + Starbucks water bottle features a cream-colored finish with vibrant seasonal accents and a playful pumpkin design.
    Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Dark and colored materials absorb more solar energy and consequently heat up.
    Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 24 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The change extends across the company’s cereal portfolio, which includes colorful favorites Lucky Charms and Trix, plus Cheerios, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Cocoa Puffs, Chex, Wheaties, Reese’s Puffs, Kix and the seasonal Monster Cereals, among others.
    Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 27 Aug. 2026
  • This was the era when Parton discovered that her fearless purview and colorful fashion sense could attract fans well beyond her core country constituency.
    Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • This trend is visible in sectors like consumer goods and retail, where companies are using AI to manage varied products and training needs while navigating narrow profit margins.
    Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Consumers should anticipate higher costs, varied sizes, and are advised to purchase their sweet potatoes early for Thanksgiving.
    Phil Lempert, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Various.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/various. Accessed 31 Aug. 2026.

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