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 Yet Ryan struck a different tone in his series of social media posts on Wednesday. Max Grinstein, The Washington Examiner, 16 July 2026 Many of our region’s greatest accomplishments have emerged because people from different disciplines, organizations and perspectives have unified to solve problems no single institution could solve alone. Pradeep Khosla, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 July 2026 For bikinis, many shoppers will require a different size in the top and bottom. Alexandra Malmed, InStyle, 16 July 2026 Our latest global research survey found that nearly 9 in 10 customer experience leaders expect service roles to look significantly different in the next three years because of AI. Tony Bates, Fortune, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for different
Recent Examples of Synonyms for different
Adjective
  • The market sees diverse approaches from infrastructure, authorization, and security vendors, alongside consolidation through acquisitions and open-source initiatives.
    Janakiram MSV, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
  • The Adayar Eco Park, a green lung that hugs an estuary, is nearby and worth a visit for its diverse flora and fauna.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 July 2026
Adjective
  • That convergence is drawing together businesses that once occupied separate corners of the market, from consumer staples companies selling food to biotech firms developing medicines and veterinary providers offering increasingly sophisticated care.
    Elsa Ohlen,Carolin Roth, CNBC, 18 July 2026
  • The consignor was later identified as an accomplice in a separate auction fraud case in Hebei province.
    Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 17 July 2026
Adjective
  • In simple terms, each quantum gate leaves behind its own distinctive statistical fingerprint.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 18 July 2026
  • Once a working water tower, the Malibu Water Tower House has become one of the beach city’s most distinctive homes.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 18 July 2026
Adjective
  • States could opt out if their respective legislatures act to do so before the bill’s enactment.
    Kevin Freking, Fortune, 15 July 2026
  • This year’s celebration highlights two creators who have shaped their respective visual mediums.
    Robert Lang, Deadline, 15 July 2026
Adjective
  • Instead of painting a broad picture that included all leading forms of content distribution — movie theaters, broadcast and cable television as well as streaming platforms — the states zeroed in on three distinct slices.
    Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026
  • Data, on the other hand, shows a distinct generational divide.
    Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 15 July 2026
Adjective
  • This article was created by content specialists using various tools, including AI.
    Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 14 July 2026
  • Officials at Gustavo Fricke Hospital said five people — including two babies — were admitted with various traumatic injuries that were not life-threatening.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 13 July 2026
Adjective
  • The latest in Houston Salgado Araujo, 52, was driving to work with three other construction crew members when unmarked vehicles carrying federal agents began following his van, his family said.
    Julianna Bragg, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
  • To celebrate 25 years of her career in the music industry, and debut album The Spirit Room, the singer-songwriter has announced Everywhere and Back Again, an EP of some of her biggest hits that have been reimagined by other artists.
    Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 15 July 2026
Adjective
  • The security guards, who were employed by Akima Global Services, were distinguishable by the color of their shirts.
    Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker, 13 July 2026
  • Keepseagle is distinguishable because that settlement involved funds paid to members of a class action.
    Tax Notes Staff, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Different.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/different. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.

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