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 Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts said that aggressive criticism by various political commentators is endangering judges. Ray Lewis, Baltimore Sun, 18 Mar. 2026 The series focuses on the lives of various Christian saints, including Joan of Arc, John the Baptist, Saint Sebastian, Maximilian Kolbe, Francis of Assisi, Moses the Black and Mary Magdalene. Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 18 Mar. 2026 The five-person cast roams the room, sitting at various circular tables to blur the lines between script and improvisation. Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2026 There were various businesses, including grocery stores. Adam Stone, USA Today, 18 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for various
Recent Examples of Synonyms for various
Adjective
  • Dangles and hoops showcasing beautiful gemstones from colored amethyst and topaz to radiant quartz colors.
    Tory Johnson, ABC News, 23 Mar. 2026
  • In a process called simultaneous contrast, our brain perceives colored objects in relation to the color of the background that they’re viewed against.
    Nora Bradford, Scientific American, 23 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The colorful, flavorful wrappers are as fun as the fillings (which range from cilantro or kimchi pork to butternut squash and shrimp to tofu, mushroom and kale), and the variety of dipping sauces (classic, ginger smash, gochujang and old godmother spicy peanut) make every bite an adventure.
    Jess Fleming, Twin Cities, 19 Mar. 2026
  • Beautifully photographed by Greig Fraser, the color palette is warm and colorful, not cold and sterile; Daniel Pemberton’s percussive score is curious, bright and emotionally leading.
    Katie Walsh, Boston Herald, 19 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • However, adoption remains uneven across sectors, reflecting differences in digital readiness and creating varied credit implications.
    Lee Ying Shan,Dylan Butts, CNBC, 18 Mar. 2026
  • The show shifts between Jane’s time under the duchess’ employ, her varied romances and the police investigation into what happened to Thomas.
    Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 18 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Various.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/various. Accessed 25 Mar. 2026.

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