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 Blomstadt has such a kind and expressive face, and the camera lingers on the different instruments in the orchestra, which is perfect for fuelling the imagination of a music-mad toddler. Hilton Als, New Yorker, 7 Nov. 2025 Because a tax bill may be sent to a business office or other location different from the property being transferred, some of the addresses listed may differ from the property that was transferred. Gege Reed, Louisville Courier Journal, 7 Nov. 2025 Indonesia also has a lot for travelers to do with more than 45,000 different attractions and tours on offer. Kristine Hansen, Travel + Leisure, 7 Nov. 2025 However, Mongolia’s inclusion in the show came through a different process. Sara Merican, Deadline, 7 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for different
Recent Examples of Synonyms for different
Adjective
  • Kiley represents the state’s 3rd Congressional District, a conservative-leaning area that is also the most geographically diverse in the state.
    Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 6 Nov. 2025
  • And whether your brand resonates with their very diverse customer base.
    Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The 25-year-old Chiefs receiver appears in a separate photo posted to the same Instagram account.
    Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 8 Jan. 2026
  • While donated blood is called whole blood, stewards of the blood supply will split and spin blood into separate bags with just red blood cells or with the plasma.
    Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • But none of these enticements can conceal the absence of scripts and direction that set a distinctive mood, then deftly navigate every deliberate shift.
    Judy Berman, Time, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Faithfull’s signature, distinctive, melodic, high-register vocals had defined her career, but her voice was permanently altered by severe laryngitis and her persistent drug abuse.
    Charlie Vargas, Oc Register, 8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Both pleaded not guilty and sought to have their respective indictments dismissed on numerous grounds, including the validity of Halligan's appointment.
    CBS News, CBS News, 7 Jan. 2026
  • The biggest gift for both Kate and the King as the new year begins is continued good news about their health amid their respective cancer treatments.
    Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Formed by rolling up sheets of atoms, these hollow tubes exhibit unique behaviors distinct from bulk materials due to their nanoscale dimensions.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Her bubbly, non-threatening stage persona, paired with her cutting jokes and roasts, feels distinct in her body of work.
    Rima Parikh, Vulture, 9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Shouts for it will be met by angry fingers jutted towards the various gaffes played ad nauseam on Sky Sports’ weekly Ref Watch, or the mandatory pause before the emotional unleashing as VAR mulls over whether a goal is a goal or just a hoax.
    Megan Feringa, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Michael Harley covers various athletics at Arkansas State University and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.
    Michael Harley, Arkansas Online, 9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Newsom is certainly right that California is a great state and an economic engine unmatched by other states.
    Sal Rodriguez, Oc Register, 9 Jan. 2026
  • To address the problem, water managers many years ago lowered the levels, but the tree islands never recovered, leaving ghosts of islands that lack the elevation to support the majestic hardwoods found in other parts of the Everglades, such as cypress, pond apple and pop ash trees.
    Amy Green, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Even the skin around the bean had a distinguishable bite, clinging to each chickpea rather than turning slippery or wispy.
    Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Whether a vibrating insert can deliver clear, distinguishable signals without blending into the background – or worse, become a distraction in itself – remains an open question.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Different.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/different. Accessed 9 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on different

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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