Synonyms of various

various

adjective

ˈver-ē-əs 

as in colored

marked by a variety of usually vivid colors

for their various and bizarrely shaped plumage, males of the bird of paradise species have few rivals

Synonyms & Similar Words

• colored
• colorful
• varied
• rainbow
• vibrant
• striped
• variegated
• brilliant
• multicolored
• chromatic
• varicolored
• prismatic
• kaleidoscopic
• polychromatic
• motley
• multihued
• polychrome
• bright
• dotted
• iridescent
• spotted
• loud
• brave
• opalescent
• gaudy
• patterned
• showy
• flashy
• garish
• checkered
• plaid
• marbled
• speckled
• gay
• dappled
• splashy
• flecked
• banded
• mottled
• barred
• striated
• pied
• specked
• streaked
• pinto
• trichromatic
• plaided
• dichromatic
• tricolor
• parti-color
• brindled
• bicolored
• piebald
• two-toned
• two-tone
• bichrome

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• colorless
• solid
• achromatic
• faded
• monochromatic
• gray
• neutral
• bleached
• pale
• monotone
• faint
• dull
• pallid
• monochromic
• decolorized
• washed-out
• self-colored
• unbrilliant

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

Recent Examples of various

The Paris Police Prefecture denied numerous formal requests for permits allowing protests in various areas of the city, citing October riots that led to thousands of arrests and violent clashes between protesters and law enforcement. — Robert McGreevy, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2026

Dozens of people began running in various directions at the sound of gunfire. — Shayna Jacobs, NBC news, 7 Nov. 2026

The canvassing board — comprising Supervisor of Elections Joe Scott, a county commissioner, and a judge — examined outstanding ballots flagged for various discrepancies, ranging from signature issues to ballots submitted by voters who passed away. — Joan Murray, CBS News, 7 Nov. 2026

Jaime is pursuing an associate degree in liberal studies and has been active in Girl Scouts and various school organizations. — Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 7 Nov. 2026