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 Flashes of the underworld, Family Guy-style, ensue, with flames, skeletons, demons, a mariachi band and various forms of torture setting the mood. — Greg Evans, Deadline, 26 Sep. 2026 The Democrats are also reaching beyond the administration into various corporate and business entities for potential wrongdoing. — Lisa Mascaro, Fortune, 26 Sep. 2026 Wayne Large won 50 Years of Punk for his photo of members of various punk bands in 1979, taken in Castle Gardens Park, Leicester. — Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 25 Sep. 2026 Now adults, the brothers have pursued various careers and both Brett and Jordan have even shared the screen with Woody in a few Hollywood projects. — Skyler Trepel, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for various
Recent Examples of Synonyms for various
Adjective
  • Initially built in 1866 but finished in 1871, the completion year is written in colored slate on the mansard roof.
    — Richard Lane, Des Moines Register, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Besides the baseball cap, the suspect was wearing a light-colored short-sleeve shirt and khaki pants the night of the attack, cops said.
    — Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 19 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • This year’s outdoor fall decor runs the gamut from classic pumpkins and colorful wreaths to lanterns, doormats and pieces that lean more neutral than traditional orange and black.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Florida has a colorful history as a haven for smugglers and scammers.
    — Mike Ryan, Sun Sentinel, 24 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The brewery offers a varied selection of styles brewed in-house from IPAs to sours to dark brews to light sippers.
    — Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 27 Sep. 2026
  • Because the policy measures were varied across combinations, the same option appeared for different respondents alongside many combinations of other policies.
    — Fengxiu Zhang, The Conversation, 25 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Various.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/various. Accessed 28 Sep. 2026.

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