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 Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said the bridge should spur development between the two countries in various spheres — including tourism — and create new jobs. Reuters, NBC news, 7 Sep. 2026 Skate pairs that in 2016 went for between $80 and $900 are now $200 to $1,230, according to HockeySkates DB, a database that charts the prices from various companies. ABC News, 7 Sep. 2026 At DeepMind, Czarnecki focused on multi-agent research, or scenarios in which multiple AI agents have to learn to either cooperate or compete on various tasks. Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 7 Sep. 2026 Turkey, Denmark, Sweden, Russia and Indonesia all charge service fees for transiting various straits, Kaneva pointed out. David Goldman, CNN Money, 7 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for various
Recent Examples of Synonyms for various
Adjective
  • Highlights include a jewel box of a shop lined with wood drawers of glittering gemlike brooches, insignia, cords, and colored fringes; an embroidery and monogramming school; and a bead room for commissioning consultations.
    Clare Coulson, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Multi-Hyphenate is housed in deep oxblood-colored glass with silver detailing, part of a broader packaging approach designed to make each product feel distinctive and covetable.
    Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 8 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • But during the fall, the scenic pathway becomes even more enchanting when accented by colorful foliage.
    Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Rome — The city of Rome has revealed for the first time the biggestRoman wall mosaic ever found, and a colorful fresco painted on a 2,000-year-old wall — the culmination of a massive 14-year restoration project.
    Barbie Latza Nadeau, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The Belgian designer, who went on to thank her team members and collaborators by name, is known for her varied explorations of feminine identity.
    Lucy Maguire, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Possible options include ammunition designed for varied levels of impact, including armor-piercing configurations.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 4 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Various.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/various. Accessed 14 Sep. 2026.

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