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 Over the course of his lengthy career, Anastos spent time on-air with several different flagship New York television networks, starting with ABC 7 in 1978. Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 13 Mar. 2026 Three very different upgrades, all suddenly looking a lot more practical. Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 13 Mar. 2026 According to Brandon Lord, executive director of the Trade Programs Directorate at CBP, as of this week, the different elements of CAPE are in varying stages of buildout. Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 13 Mar. 2026 Over the years the acclaimed filmmaker has immersed himself in different worlds—Scientology, swinging, the Westboro Baptist Church, and survivalists in rural America—always with his signature calm curiosity. Fleurine Tideman, Glamour, 13 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for different
Recent Examples of Synonyms for different
Adjective
  • Charlotte-area colleges and universities were growing more racially diverse before the Supreme Court ruled race-conscious admissions were unconstitutional.
    Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 12 Mar. 2026
  • And fans of the lively arts as diverse as Doja Cat and Nathan Lane have criticized Chalamet for his remarks.
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • But Democrats are almost universally opposed to a separate proof of citizenship provision in the bill, and have generally panned the legislation as an attempt at voter suppression.
    David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 16 Mar. 2026
  • Pretti and Good died in separate shootings at the hands of federal agents during Operation Metro Surge.
    STEFANIE DAZIO, Arkansas Online, 15 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • But his distinctive tattoos and fashion sense helped investigators find him — notably, his sweatshirt, his bronze foamposite sneakers, a large gold ring on his left hand and a distinctive tattoo of a globe on his left arm.
    John Annese, New York Daily News, 18 Mar. 2026
  • The plant has distinctive foliage and orange blooms that spike up from the leaves.
    Charlie Vargas, Oc Register, 18 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Such individuals are the standard-bearers in their respective categories, setting winning records that remain unbeatable as the Oscars approach their centennial in 2028.
    Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Mar. 2026
  • The Dominican Republic will face the United States for a spot in the championship after both teams won their respective quarterfinal contests on Friday.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 14 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Jordan creates two distinct personalities with his main characters.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 16 Mar. 2026
  • While all three properties for the vineyard designate wines are certified organic through CCOF, (California Certified Organic Farmers), winemaking for each site requires a slightly different approach because of distinct soils and tannin profiles.
    Mike DeSimone, Robb Report, 15 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Multiple locations Lavaca Street Bar The TVs are endless, the tap wall stacked and the various food options at all three locations, from killer smashburgers to fresh seafood, serve some of the best bar food in town.
    Matthew Odam, Austin American Statesman, 19 Mar. 2026
  • That range spans about 370 parts-per-billion between the various estimates, with some overlapping with Fermilab’s experimental data and others, particularly from the older R-ratio methods, disagreeing with Fermilab’s data at greater than the 5-sigma threshold.
    Big Think, Big Think, 19 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Illinois also broke with federal vaccine recommendations on other occasions last year, deciding to continue to recommend hepatitis B vaccines for nearly all newborns and to continue to recommend COVID-19 vaccines for all children ages 6 to 23 months.
    Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2026
  • Rainy weather driving tips Switch on headlights - Even during daylight hours, using headlights can enhance visibility and signal your presence to other drivers.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 17 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • For Fall 2026, creative director Anthony Vaccarello showcased a series of single- and double-breasted black suits, distinguishable from one another by the slightest shade.
    Kevin Huynh, InStyle, 12 Mar. 2026
  • The details of the plot are not particularly important or distinguishable from previous entries.
    Michael Ordoña, San Francisco Chronicle, 26 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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