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 First, how is betting on the first song Bad Bunny performed at the Super Bowl — which topped $100 million in wagers on Kalshi — any different from betting on black at a casino’s roulette table? Editorial, Boston Herald, 25 Apr. 2026 DeCosta is always liable to move back in different rounds and accumulate more picks. Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026 But once the competition started, that was a whole different story. Scott M. Reid, Oc Register, 17 Apr. 2026 An Irish Independent report from the courtroom said that Ryan sent the teenager 40 Facebook messages in one day from an account under a different name. Max Goldbart, Deadline, 16 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for different
Recent Examples of Synonyms for different
Adjective
  • Iran is China’s largest trading partner in the Middle East, but China’s diverse energy sources have shielded it from the heavy economic toll and energy crisis that the war has caused for other countries in East Asia.
    Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 23 Apr. 2026
  • The vibrant Chowrasta Market isn’t far either, hawking favourites from Penang’s diverse cultures, from roti canai to bowls of syrupy chendul.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The animals live in small social groups — typically one stallion with several mares and their young — alongside separate bands of younger males.
    Derek Gatopoulos, Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2026
  • Alternate methods exist as well, and depending on the appliance, the manufacturer may have a separate set of tips for the best results.
    Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 19 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The company develops distinctive film and television projects that bridge Japan and the United States — a mission reflected in its name, which combines the countries’ calling codes (+1 and +81).
    Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 22 Apr. 2026
  • The Haudenosaunee have navigated distinctive languages for each nation of the Confederacy.
    Tim Brinkhof, JSTOR Daily, 22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • All three have served in their respective nations’ air forces.
    Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Apr. 2026
  • Since then, only the New York Rangers have won the Presidents’ Trophy and even reached their respective conference finals (’14-15 and ’23-24).
    Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 19 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • All of Raphael’s portraits in the octagon are quite distinct—the palette ranges from emerald green and cinnabar to earthy browns and bone black—but there is one bizarre consistency.
    Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
  • Now, gravel paths and barefoot-friendly concrete pavers wind through mature oak trees, gently waving grasses, and structured succulents, leading to distinct seating and dining areas.
    Elizabeth Jardina, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Other versions of Clayface have been introduced in various media since.
    Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2026
  • The footage then cuts to the character in various stages of mutilation, pre- and post a violent attack.
    Denise Petski, Deadline, 22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • There are other candidates, including a Billy Bigelow-like romantic opportunity for Melissa, courtesy of Max Clayton.
    Chris Jones, New York Daily News, 21 Apr. 2026
  • The schedule at 4 North is similar to other units in the jail, with inmate counts multiple times a day.
    Diego Lasarte, New Yorker, 21 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Different.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/different. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on different

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster