diverse

adjective

di·​verse dī-ˈvərs How to pronounce diverse (audio)
də-ˈvərs,
ˈdī-ˌvərs
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 Their certification opens pathways to diverse roles, including: Public Accounting Firms: CPAs engage in auditing, financial reporting, consulting, and advisory services, helping businesses comply with accounting standards and regulations. Bryce Welker, Miami Herald, 3 Mar. 2024 That space, which now has a brick and mortar location, stocks a diverse selection of reads curated from library sales and thrift stores. Carly Tagen-Dye, Peoplemag, 3 Mar. 2024 His need for learning led him to explore diverse fields, including physics, engineering and astronomy. Maeghan Dolph, Fox News, 3 Mar. 2024 Moreover, Iris Apfel's collaborative spirit and inclusive fashion approach emphasized the power of partnerships in expanding brand reach and engaging diverse audiences. Jeetendr Sehdev, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2024 Energizing Black voters beyond South Carolina South Carolina's Democratic and Republican primaries in February were the first 2024 presidential contests in a state with a diverse population. Deborah Barfield Berry, USA TODAY, 2 Mar. 2024 The free event celebrates the city’s diverse visual art scene. Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Mar. 2024 Mystery of the Vanishing Eels A Fragile Frontier The deep sea, along with its diverse inhabitants, plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of our planet. Anna Nordseth, Discover Magazine, 1 Mar. 2024 What is your experience with diverse and inclusive campaigns? Danielle Wiley, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'diverse.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of diverse was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near diverse

Cite this Entry

“Diverse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diverse. Accessed 14 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

diverse

adjective
di·​verse dī-ˈvərs How to pronounce diverse (audio)
də-,
ˈdī-ˌvərs
: differing from one another : unlike
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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