Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of various are different, disparate, divergent, and diverse. While all these words mean "unlike in kind or character," various stresses the number of sorts or kinds.

tried various methods

When could different be used to replace various?

While the synonyms different and various are close in meaning, different may imply little more than separateness but it may also imply contrast or contrariness.

different foods

When is it sensible to use disparate instead of various?

The synonyms disparate and various are sometimes interchangeable, but disparate emphasizes incongruity or incompatibility.

disparate notions of freedom

When would divergent be a good substitute for various?

Although the words divergent and various have much in common, divergent implies movement away from each other and unlikelihood of ultimate meeting or reconciliation.

went on to pursue divergent careers

When is diverse a more appropriate choice than various?

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

such diverse interests as dancing and football

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 various In recent years, U.S. adversaries including China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia have stepped up their cooperation in the face of Washington’s efforts to isolate them, helping one another skirt sanctions, arm their militaries, and carry out various acts of aggression. Kori Schake, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025 The branches are different sizes and can be rearranged to accommodate various bottle and accessory set-ups. Olivia Campbell, Parents, 24 June 2025 Among the equipment was various vertical light towers, often used for construction work or events. Skyler Swisher, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 June 2025 Get up and running now to claim the various promos bet365 will be running for the remainder of the MLB season. Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for various
Recent Examples of Synonyms for various
Adjective
  • Enjoy blackberries as part of a varied, balanced diet for the best results.
    Julie Marks, Verywell Health, 17 June 2025
  • While a small group of technology stocks have mostly pushed the QQQ Nasdaq-100 ETF near an all-time high this year, analysts believe a more varied mix of stocks might do the heavy liting from here on out.
    Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 17 June 2025
Adjective
  • Truth be told, these portraits can be colorful, impactful statements in any room.
    Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 14 June 2025
  • Aurora borealis, commonly known as the northern lights, are colorful ribbons of light that weave across Earth's northern or southern polar regions, according to NASA.
    Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 14 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Various.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/various. Accessed 29 Jun. 2025.

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