diverse

adjective

di·​verse dī-ˈvərs How to pronounce diverse (audio)
də-ˈvərs
ˈdī-ˌvərs
Synonyms of diversenext
1
: differing from one another : unlike
people with diverse interests
2
: composed of distinct or unlike elements or qualities
a diverse population
diversely adverb
diverseness noun
Choose the Right Synonym for diverse

different, diverse, divergent, disparate, various mean unlike in kind or character.

different may imply little more than separateness but it may also imply contrast or contrariness.

different foods

diverse implies both distinctness and marked contrast.

such diverse interests as dancing and football

divergent implies movement away from each other and unlikelihood of ultimate meeting or reconciliation.

went on to pursue divergent careers

disparate emphasizes incongruity or incompatibility.

disparate notions of freedom

various stresses the number of sorts or kinds.

tried various methods

Examples of diverse in a Sentence

We can adapt to new problems in ways that other species cannot. It is this ability that enabled our ancestors to spread over the globe, displacing other hominids and many other species along the way. Our cultures and individual behaviors are so successfully diverse that humans are more like an entire ecosystem than a single species. Barbara Oakley, Evil Genes, (2007) 2008
Since the methods and policies of the Spaniards on the edges of empire varied over time and place, and the indigenous tribes and peoples with whom they came into contact were almost endlessly diverse, Weber was faced with the daunting challenge of writing a book that was at the same time comprehensive and comprehensible. J. H. Elliott, New York Review of Books, 23 Feb. 2006
The place is packed at both lunch and dinner. The crowd, always a diverse blend of athletes and fans, cops and criminals, showbiz and fashion, appears as heterogeneous as ever. Eric Asimov, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2003
Many students, from campuses diverse as Bushwick High School in Brooklyn, New York, and Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington, had classmates sign cards pledging to vote for "books, not bombs." Liza Featherstone, Nation, 4/11 Aug. 2003
His message appealed to a diverse audience. a diverse group of subjects
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
These factors have turned the Ellisons into Murdoch-like pariahs among many Democrats, and have brought together a somewhat ideologically diverse antitrust coalition, ranging from the more centrist wing of the Democratic Party to the progressive left. Max Tani, semafor.com, 6 Mar. 2026 Multiple candidates among the leading contenders represent diverse backgrounds and experiences capable of addressing California’s major challenges. Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2026 Most Kurds are Sunni Muslims, but the Kurdish population has diverse religious, cultural, social and political traditions, as well as a variety of dialects of the Kurdish language. Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 5 Mar. 2026 De La Vega said that Hialeah is a vibrant and diverse city made up of many cultures, races and religions. Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 5 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for diverse

Word History

Etymology

Middle English divers, diverse "differing, distinct, of various kinds, several," borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French divers, diverse, deverce, borrowed from Latin dīversus "turned in different directions, situated apart, differing," from past participle of dīvertere "to separate oneself (from), be different, diverge" — more at divert

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of diverse was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Diverse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diverse. Accessed 6 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

diverse

adjective
di·​verse dī-ˈvərs How to pronounce diverse (audio)
də-
ˈdī-ˌvərs
1
: differing from one another : unlike
2
: composed of distinct or unlike elements or qualities
a diverse population
diversely adverb
diverseness noun

Legal Definition

diverse

adjective
di·​verse
: differing from one another
specifically : differing in citizenship from another party to an action
a diverse defendant
see also diversity jurisdiction at jurisdiction compare nondiverse

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