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 But that window on Orion was right in front of me, that view was so different. Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 17 Apr. 2026 That's different than other states, where individual companies handle alcohol distribution, Carter said. ABC News, 17 Apr. 2026 Right now, her options are to try a different medication, have a temporal lobectomy, or get a neuromodulation device. Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 17 Apr. 2026 By spotlighting Gehry’s artistic practice rather than his design ouevre — which includes Walt Disney Concert Hall, Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and Fondation Louis Vuitton — the exhibition reveals a different side of the late visionary, said Deborah McLeod, senior director at Gagosian Beverly Hills. Malia Mendez, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for different
Recent Examples of Synonyms for different
Adjective
  • From penguins at Boulders Beach to whale spotting on the coast, packing a pair of binoculars ensures you a front-row seat to the diverse wildlife of South Africa.
    Abbey Hudetz, Travel + Leisure, 16 Apr. 2026
  • Annicelli said that Connecticut is home to a wide variety of diverse snakes and reptiles.
    Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 16 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
  • Investigators first identified Heuermann as a suspect in 2022 through his Chevrolet Avalanche, a distinctive pickup truck purchased on Long Island.
    ABC News, ABC News, 16 Apr. 2026
  • The park features the distinctive Guggenheim Bandshell, and used to host New York Fashion Week in the spring and fall.
    Leigh Anne Miller, ARTnews.com, 15 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
  • Terrell Fox was arrested in Markham by task force members, the same officers from various Southland communities that Markham chose to honor.
    Jermont Terry, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026
  • These closures reflect various factors, including poor investment returns, a lack of government support for refinery upgrades and higher carbon and energy costs.
    Ian King, CNBC, 15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Each cocktail is purposefully crafted, bridging flavors as with a slow-sipper featuring a split whiskey base sees bitter orange, curry leaf, and a bath of hickory smoke paired with the kitchen’s tender rogan josh shank, snappy papadum, and other hits.
    Chris Malloy, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 Apr. 2026
  • That said, China's export momentum will be more insulated from higher energy costs and raw material shortage than other export-reliant peers, Zhang noted, due to the scale and efficiency of the country's manufacturing sector.
    Anniek Bao,Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 14 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 21 Apr. 2026.

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