Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of different are disparate, divergent, diverse, and various. While all these words mean "unlike in kind or character," different may imply little more than separateness but it may also imply contrast or contrariness.

different foods

When could disparate be used to replace different?

The words disparate and different are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, disparate emphasizes incongruity or incompatibility.

disparate notions of freedom

When can divergent be used instead of different?

Although the words divergent and different have much in common, 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 different?

In some situations, the words diverse and different are roughly equivalent. However, diverse implies both distinctness and marked contrast.

such diverse interests as dancing and football

Where would various be a reasonable alternative to different?

While in some cases nearly identical to different, 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 different Tidmarsh said the committees would still be consulted on general issues like how to regulate different classes of drugs. Arthur Allen, CNN Money, 12 Sep. 2025 The fall colors on Mackinac Island typically peak in the middle of October, and this year is expected to be no different. Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 12 Sep. 2025 Maybe the spotlight has to shine on different regions in different times. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 12 Sep. 2025 The benefits of B vitamins vary by type—there are 8 different types. Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 12 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for different
Recent Examples of Synonyms for different
Adjective
  • Recognizing the value of diverse skills, creating mutual trust, and deliberately building team cohesion are lessons every executive can apply on Earth.
    Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
  • The United States became more demographically diverse, and fewer people were married from 2023 to 2024.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • In the end, Sutton-Schulman won the Triangle Springs appeal, but Highmark classified L’s treatment at Menninger as two separate admissions.
    Duaa Eldeib, ProPublica, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Luna's Task Force on the Declassification of Federal Secrets was established in February 2025 and is a separate House Oversight subcommittee from the one that last held a hearing on UFOs in November.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • While giants like Diageo and Pernod Ricard dominate volumes, smaller distilleries like Torabhaig are carving out space by leaning into provenance, limited releases, and distinctive house styles.
    Gina Pace, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • At least with this latest batch of iPhones, Apple has made those options much more distinctive and has finally brought some interesting physical variety to the market.
    Bob O’Donnell, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Business coalitions like Brands for Public Lands, of which Patagonia is one of more than 125 members, are rallying our respective communities to speak out.
    Ryan Gellert, Time, 9 Sep. 2025
  • OpenAI and the Big Tech players have enjoyed a good head start with their respective foundation AI models, while Beijing has long considered AI a strategic priority.
    Ryan Browne, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • China’s three distinct tech phases China’s tech success over the past 20 years was really achieved in three phases.
    Rich Karlgaard, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Do a separate soil test for each distinct area of your yard, such as existing or future vegetable gardens, flower beds, and lawns, because the lab recommendations will depend on the type of plants in that area.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Today, Interpol unites 196 member countries under the leadership of a secretary general, orchestrating daily operations to combat various international crimes.
    Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Those born just afterwards — Steve McManaman, Darren Anderton (both 1972), Jamie Redknapp (1973) — made 37, 30 and 17 international appearances respectively, much fewer than their talent would have suggested, for various reasons.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • In order to embolden and support his organization, bin Laden often videotaped himself with messages aimed at his target audience, established training centers in Afghanistan, had an expansive funding network that included wealthy individuals, couriers, mosques and other complex ways to raise funds.
    Richard Frankel, ABC News, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Advertisement Kirk’s path to national prominence was unlike that of other MAGA icons.
    Eric Cortellessa, Time, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The 300-second exposure shows the wandering solar system body as a minute dot, barely distinguishable among the stellar giants populating the distant starfield beyond.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 1 Sep. 2025
  • His distinguishable look, punctuated by a large black beard, became iconic.
    Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 19 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Different.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/different. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.

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