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 On the first weekend in June 2026, eight children were reported killed and a further 18 injured in five different locations across Gaza. Sarah Ferguson, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026 But Tennie has the rare bragging rights of being seen on three different shows on three different outlets (Apple TV, HBO Max and ABC) at the same time. Michael Schneider, Variety, 12 June 2026 The posture was different: angry, theatrical, eager to dig a hole for his enemies. Jayson Buford, Rolling Stone, 3 June 2026 Keep messages simple, especially when emotions rise. March 21 – April 19 Aries, work and home pull in different ways. Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for different
Recent Examples of Synonyms for different
Adjective
  • Sacramento consistently ranks among the most diverse cities in the country, and that applies across all stripes.
    Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 12 June 2026
  • In 2024, Davis’ medical school became the third most racially diverse medical school in the country, the Justice Department claimed.
    Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026
Adjective
  • Investigators said Morabia Siddhi Suresh, 33, of Fremont, California, had been driving in rainy conditions when she was involved in a separate collision, according to Kentucky State Police.
    Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 14 June 2026
  • The separate bottom-zipper section is an absolute lifesaver if you — like me — are accustomed to bringing along multiple pairs of shoes or want a place to stash wet swimwear or heavy toiletries.
    Tanya Sharma, PEOPLE, 14 June 2026
Adjective
  • Christine Vachon and Pamela Koffler play a central role in American independent cinema, championing bold, ambitious and distinctive storytelling.
    Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 10 June 2026
  • Her distinctive voice has been Widowspeak’s emblem since the band first emerged, warbled like Mazzy Star’s Hope Sandoval over CB radio.
    Linnie Greene, Pitchfork, 10 June 2026
Adjective
  • Each of these titles have broken records for their respective studios.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 14 June 2026
  • The Los Angeles Dodgers and The Netherlands are both 0-3, Czechoslovakia and Hungary each 0-2 in their respective championships since 1930.
    Chuck Murr, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026
Adjective
  • The OneXPlayer 3 is also distinct beyond the display.
    Matthew Buzzi, PC Magazine, 14 June 2026
  • Nonbank lenders, private credit firms, insurers, and fintechs — all fast-growing users of AI with distinct regulatory environments — get thin coverage.
    Mayra Rodriguez Valladares, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026
Adjective
  • Each location will offer various food and drink specials, according to the bar and restaurant’s website.
    Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 11 June 2026
  • For various reasons, none of us had managed a proper vacation that summer.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 June 2026
Adjective
  • This article was generated by the Bay Area Home Report Bot, software that analyzes home sales or other data and creates an article based on a template created by humans.
    Bay Area Home Report, Mercury News, 9 June 2026
  • Sony is underway on a search for a new star and other cast members.
    Pat Saperstein, Variety, 9 June 2026
Adjective
  • The replica Tower sign hews close to the original, though the two are clearly distinguishable from one another.
    Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 1 June 2026
  • This is a type of employment that, as Johnson lead counsel Paul McDonald has stressed, is legally distinguishable from professional employment and is structured differently (for example, student employment is exempt from FICA taxes).
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 20 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Different.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/different. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.

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