Definition of differentnext

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 In Congress, both the House and the Senate have passed different affordable housing bills. ABC News, 1 May 2026 Both provide you with excellent quality streaming through your speakers but use different components to do so. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026 Hathaway shrewdly chooses to go in a completely different direction. Chris Feil, Vulture, 1 May 2026 This defensive line will still look a bit different, however. Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 1 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for different
Recent Examples of Synonyms for different
Adjective
  • During the last decade, Parker’s routine has fostered one of the country’s most compelling new music scenes, where players from diverse backgrounds and demographics have converged to create wildly accessible improvised music.
    Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 30 Apr. 2026
  • The vast and diverse plant category of ground covers includes tough, fast-spreading creeping wire vine, drought-tolerant Blue Rug Juniper or Myoporum, and colorful flowering ground covers like iceplant and common periwinkle.
    Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • So, whether or not there's a deal, whether there's military action, the legal argument is a separate issue.
    NBC news, NBC news, 3 May 2026
  • Companies cannot unilaterally lay off employees or cut salaries due to technological progress, the court said in a separate statement, citing the same case.
    Victor Swezey, Fortune, 3 May 2026
Adjective
  • What Makes Steller Sea Lions Different Beyond their size, Steller sea lions have distinctive habits and capabilities.
    Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Images of her outside the hotel were splashed across tabloids, with The Carlyle’s distinctive gold revolving door in the background.
    Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • After all, Democrats and Republicans would always want more folks from their respective parties determining their fate.
    Gary Franks, Hartford Courant, 3 May 2026
  • All that’s happening while Musk and Altman are pushing their respective companies towards public offerings that could be the largest in history.
    Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 2 May 2026
Adjective
  • But rollout varies sharply across industries, and leaders face similar yet distinct questions about what to assess before deployment, what to govern during it, and which companies are already navigating it well.
    Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 2 May 2026
  • The researchers took ordinary metal rings and precisely shaped them into specific patterns designed to produce distinct ultrasonic frequencies when struck.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 May 2026
Adjective
  • Enjoy live music and stop at various arts and crafts booths for this two-day festival.
    Paris Barraza, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
  • The announcement confirms recent speculation fueled by various clues and social media hints.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • That decision puts at risk both of the majority-Black districts in Louisiana of being eliminated in the redrawing, as well as majority-minority districts in other states.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 5 May 2026
  • The chain eventually expanded to other nameplates — Banana Republic and Old Navy — and now generates more than $15 billion in sales globally.
    Anne D'Innocenzio, Chicago Tribune, 5 May 2026
Adjective
  • At the busy lobby bar, those attending the function are easily distinguishable by their tuxedos and ball gowns from hotel guests in their Saturday-night duds.
    Shane Harris, The Atlantic, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Up front, the gunshots were not immediately distinguishable in the cacophony.
    Calvin Woodward, Chicago Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Different.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/different. Accessed 7 May. 2026.

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