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 Top providers in California include Starlink, HughesNet, T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon, Spectrum, Frontier Fiber, and Xfinity, each offering various plans and speeds. Kara McGinley, USA Today, 23 Aug. 2025 And their tandem performance within the broader play of the line sure lent some encouragement to various visions of the regular season, which the team begins against the Chargers on Sept. 5 in Brazil. Kansas City Star, 23 Aug. 2025 The new trauma center, located in the Harambee neighborhood at 2669 N. King Drive, will offer various holistic health services for victims of trafficking, domestic abuse and trauma, an issue that has become increasingly prevalent across the city. Everett Eaton, jsonline.com, 9 Aug. 2025 Survivor 50 has been themed In the Hands of the Fans, with viewers being able to vote on various aspects of the game when season 48 aired earlier this year. Carson Blackwelder, People.com, 8 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for various
Recent Examples of Synonyms for various
Adjective
  • Others accused the brand of catering to Black elitism, erasing the varied experiences of Black Americans involvement with the Ralph Lauren brand.
    Meagan Jordan, Rolling Stone, 17 Aug. 2025
  • This opens the door to more natural writing and varied phrasing.
    Jeremy Fields, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Hinds’ music and colorful personality touched so many within the scene, and the outpouring of love for him as a person and musician has been endless over these past few days.
    Quentin Thane Singer, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025
  • At the far end of the gallery, a small hallway led to a space where rows of colorful modernist chairs faced a wall of windows.
    Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Various.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/various. Accessed 30 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on various

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