Definition of disparatenext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word disparate different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of disparate are different, divergent, diverse, and various. While all these words mean "unlike in kind or character," disparate emphasizes incongruity or incompatibility.

disparate notions of freedom

When can different be used instead of disparate?

The words different and disparate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, different may imply little more than separateness but it may also imply contrast or contrariness.

different foods

When is it sensible to use divergent instead of disparate?

In some situations, the words divergent and disparate are roughly equivalent. However, divergent implies movement away from each other and unlikelihood of ultimate meeting or reconciliation.

went on to pursue divergent careers

In what contexts can diverse take the place of disparate?

While the synonyms diverse and disparate are close in meaning, diverse implies both distinctness and marked contrast.

such diverse interests as dancing and football

When could various be used to replace disparate?

While in some cases nearly identical to disparate, various stresses the number of sorts or kinds.

tried various methods

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 disparate The year was 1754, and Franklin's goal was to unite the disparate colonies into a coalition against a common enemy. Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2026 Under fair lending laws, companies are not allowed to enact policies that would have disparate impacts on certain groups of customers, such as people of a particular race or gender. Conrad Wilson, ProPublica, 25 Mar. 2026 The album documented how six individuals separated by COVID-19 could bring their disparate ideas together, but the result was admittedly disjointed among some standout moments. Chris Young, AJC.com, 25 Mar. 2026 But those strong moments don’t evolve into one satisfying vision, instead leaving behind a disparate collection of original scenes that play more like window shopping in hindsight. Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 25 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for disparate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disparate
Adjective
  • The feature starring Jaafar Jackson as the King of Pop and directed by Antoine Fuqua is strong across all demos and diverse groups, though slightly more pronounced in first choice with men and women over 25.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Although no continent on Earth is now untouched by the diverse and delicious seed and food crops developed in the Americas, the brilliance of the native peoples who domesticated these nourishing plants over millennia has largely been overlooked by history.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Each ticket costs $5, and players may pick six numbers from two separate pools of numbers - five different numbers from 1 to 70 (the white balls) and one number from 1 to 24 (the gold Mega Ball) - or select Easy Pick/Quick Pick.
    Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2026
  • He's accused of placing cameras in the restrooms of three other parks, with at least 12 different victims.
    James Taylor, CBS News, 28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • On this postcard-perfect corner of Canada’s northeastern province of Newfoundland and Labrador that’s slammed by wind and waves, cod-fishing communities hold on to their distinctive settler history.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Apr. 2026
  • The Hyundai also boasts a distinctive design that sets it apart from other SUVs.
    ABC News, ABC News, 1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Food and drink Like everything else at The Rooster, the food has a distinct sense of place but also a cosmopolitan sensibility.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Because of its distinct grooves and marks, the stone piece was believed to be some kind of board game – but obviously no rulebook was dug up to confirm this.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 29 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Disparate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disparate. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.

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