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 The organizations have different goals but have figured out how to work together, pulling resources to help one mother in need. Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 4 Apr. 2026 Everything the Rockies wanted to show their shivering fans was different about this team became irrelevant. Troy Renck, Denver Post, 4 Apr. 2026 This season, the Royals have utilized Falter in a different role. Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 4 Apr. 2026 Ball comes off the bat different. Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for different
Recent Examples of Synonyms for different
Adjective
  • The feature starring Jaafar Jackson as the King of Pop and directed by Antoine Fuqua is strong across all demos and diverse groups, though slightly more pronounced in first choice with men and women over 25.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Although no continent on Earth is now untouched by the diverse and delicious seed and food crops developed in the Americas, the brilliance of the native peoples who domesticated these nourishing plants over millennia has largely been overlooked by history.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The Angels had the rookie’s back, rallying back from three separate deficits to earn an 8-7 victory in 11 innings on a game-ending sacrifice fly from Nolan Schanuel.
    Doug Padilla, Oc Register, 6 Apr. 2026
  • There is not much of a theme separate from the idea of giving folks a glimpse of what Denver has managed to collect since 1942, when the museum acquired its first women’s garment.
    Ray Mark Rinaldi, Denver Post, 6 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Lubeck’s distinctive style—marked by one-of-a-kind antique stones and intricate hand-engraving work—caught Swift’s eye.
    Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 8 Apr. 2026
  • Back in the 1930s, the founders of the club worked with Louis Alphonse Berckmans, son of the nursery’s late owner, to adorn each of the 18 holes with a distinctive species and since then some 80,000 plants and 350 different varieties have been added.
    Don Riddell, CNN Money, 8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The Dow and Nasdaq also ended their respective five-week slides.
    Fred Imbert, CNBC, 5 Apr. 2026
  • The brothers both joined the Army and then started respective careers in law enforcement.
    Jay Stahl, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Designed to evoke the Golden Age of travel, the ridged shell has a distinct midcentury sensibility and a presence few other cases can match.
    Charley Ward, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Apr. 2026
  • Typically speaking, modern wars tend to consist of various distinct phases, the first of which tends to be to blind the enemy.
    Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 5 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Defense attorneys, who said Horner has autism spectrum disorder and various mental illnesses, are asking jurors to sentence Horner to life in prison without parole.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Apr. 2026
  • In most cases, those were rejected, and some activists were even arrested on various charges.
    ABC News, ABC News, 9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Global oil supply has reduced by 13%, according to the IMF, while severe damage has been done to other critical supply chains.
    Joseph Wilkins, CNBC, 7 Apr. 2026
  • Earlier in the season Schumaker talked about the importance of a well-rounded team to win and while Eovaldi and deGrom struggled in their first three starts other members from the starting rotation stepped up with MacKenzie Gore, Kumar Rocker and Jack Leiter all shining.
    Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Second, the two sides must be readily distinguishable from each other, usually by applying color or markings to one side, although in rare cases they can be distinguished by shape, with one side being convex and the other being concave.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 3 Apr. 2026
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

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

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