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 Ten different Thunder players scored or rebounded in that quarter. Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2026 The leader who relies on prior results, whether a past quarter or past lab work, repeats the same error across different fields. Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2026 And with the rise of agentic AI, more activity is being carried out by agents on behalf of humans—creating different risks that something could go awry. Lily Hay Newman, Wired News, 28 Apr. 2026 After decades of delighting fans with her brilliant performances in comedies like Private Benjamin, Overboard and The First Wives Club, Hawn is turning to a different medium to spread the power of positivity. Eric Andersson, PEOPLE, 28 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for different
Recent Examples of Synonyms for different
Adjective
  • The German owner of Stoll reported its booth received positive feedback for sport shoe solutions, composite innovations and performance warp knits, with a portfolio showcasing the diverse applications of warp knitting technology in Technical Textiles.
    Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 7 May 2026
  • The art industry comprises an incredibly diverse tapestry of experts in all sorts of professions.
    The Editors of ARTnews, Robb Report, 7 May 2026
Adjective
  • Retailers also posted their highest volume of monthly job openings since 2023 in March, a separate report of preliminary government data found.
    Alex Harring, CNBC, 10 May 2026
  • With separate compartments for morning, noon, evening, and bedtime, the Auvon Weekly Pill Organizer keeps everything—well—organized.
    Karthika Gupta, Travel + Leisure, 10 May 2026
Adjective
  • Since 1992, Ronnie has been the captain of this distinctive part of New Orleans’ culinary history.
    George Motz, Southern Living, 6 May 2026
  • The beachside Beauvallon Sur Mer, together with its lounge and rooftop, was created by interior architect Dorothée Delaye—the creative known for infusing hotels with a distinctive French flair.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 May 2026
Adjective
  • These surrogates live in California, Georgia, Virginia, and Pennsylvania, and the newborns have been assigned to foster-care placements in their respective counties.
    Ava Kofman, New Yorker, 11 May 2026
  • The ship is anchored offshore in the Canary Islands, where passengers from different countries were being taken to Tenerife airport in military vehicles and sent to their respective home countries while avoiding contact with the public.
    Rebecca Schneid, Time, 10 May 2026
Adjective
  • The rooms Designed like authentic Goan houses, each with its own distinct colors and landscaping, the resort seems quiet even when full (conference groups love this place).
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 May 2026
  • Bloomberg adds that Italian health care costs a few thousand dollars per year, and living in the south offers distinct tax benefits, such as a 7% flat annual tax for foreign retirees who move to smaller towns in less developed areas.
    Alex Ledsom, Forbes.com, 10 May 2026
Adjective
  • Her desk was perpetually covered in Post-it notes of various neon hues.
    E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 7 May 2026
  • Records compiled by the online site LegiStorm show Moorer has worked for Davis in various capacities since 2008 and currently makes about $72,000 a year.
    Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 7 May 2026
Adjective
  • Like other pools in China, swimmers will need to don a swim cap to take a dip.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 May 2026
  • In other words, the surface numbers and the eye test are matching the analytics in Chisholm’s case.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 12 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 14 May. 2026.

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