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 It is meant to convey to the world Ford's shift from a product-first to a human-first company that emphasizes aspects of Ford beyond its vehicles, showing how Ford fits various lifestyles. Jamie L. Lareau, USA Today, 13 Sep. 2025 Tunai stepped in at various times for Johnson, who has endured a foot injury in recent weeks. Steve Fryer, Oc Register, 13 Sep. 2025 The district has contracts with various cities to provide SROs at its other schools. Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 13 Sep. 2025 Steve has more than 40 years of food industry experience in his native Hong Kong and in the Bay Area, where the couple lived and owned various eateries for two decades. Sacbee.com, 12 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for various
Recent Examples of Synonyms for various
Adjective
  • Demi Moore is one star who knows the power of a varied, aesthetic-spanning serve.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Colorado has the talent, depth and varied skillsets to build an elite power play.
    Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Women in brightly colored dresses danced in shoes that loudly clicked across the floor.
    Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Across the valley sat a two-story barn where caramel-colored and chestnut-spotted horses plus a storybook white one were lined up along the wooden fence.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The 12-piece line, featuring colorful plates, cups, candleholders, and a show-stopping spiral vase, reimagines classic Swedish holiday traditions with a fresh, joyful edge.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Her character also loved wearing colorful hues like orange, according to Mickens, this reflects her actual Caribbean heritage.
    Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 9 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Various.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/various. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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