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 Nintendo is trying to attack that problem with a different solution than its competitors. Jennifer Maas, Variety, 17 Sep. 2026 Not comparable to the party scene found on the beaches of Saint-Tropez or the glamour of the French Riviera, luxury is undeniably different. Michelle Tchea, Robb Report, 17 Sep. 2026 Speaking with Julianne, Amber said the biggest different from the ice rink to the ballroom so far? Colleen Kratofil, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2026 Rashee Rice, who last year returned from his own ACL surgery, told me the adrenaline of an NFL game takes on a different speed. Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 17 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for different
Recent Examples of Synonyms for different
Adjective
  • All who died, including my sister, Patricia Fagan, were a diverse cross-section of New Yorkers, and their memory can’t be erased.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Universal Studios Hollywood's Halloween Horror Nights is increasingly featuring horror from diverse cultures.
    Eve Chen, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Networked pods can use observations from separate aircraft to improve that estimate.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Fairfield Animal Control officers have issued a warning to residents urging caution following two separate incidents involving coyotes in the Catamount Road and Fencerow Drive areas.
    Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 16 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Fossum notes that veterinarians sometimes use odor as a diagnostic clue because certain skin conditions produce distinctive smells.
    Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 19 Sep. 2026
  • The cult fashion house has a devoted following among Gen Z and fans of alternative fashion and pop culture, including anime enthusiasts familiar with Westwood’s distinctive Orb logo.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 19 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The respective camps of the players involved have remained confident the trade would eventually go through.
    Matt Schubert, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
  • The probe echoes investigations into the deaths of actor Matthew Perry and rapper Mac Miller, both of which resulted in criminal charges for their respective drug suppliers.
    Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The Pigeon Sisters — Desi Amato as Gwendolyn and Penny Amara as Cecily — are played as distinct individuals rather than as near-twins as often happens.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Sometimes those differences, while distinct, still touch the same product in some way.
    Michael Khouw, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Government troops also conducted raids in various areas Thursday and killed 10 militants believed to be members of the Pakistani Taliban, the military and police said.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Over a tight five-day timeline — as Marnus and Ilse finish school ahead of the December holidays, and the family prepares for their summer vacation — these various tensions impact one another in tacit but perhaps terminal ways.
    Guy Lodge, Variety, 19 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Blue laws in Arkansas included bans on card games, hunting, horse racing and other activities on Sundays.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 9 Sep. 2026
  • The back end should be able to move the puck better and avoid long stretches in their own end, and assuming relative health, other players like Braden Schneider will no longer have to play too high in the lineup.
    Peter Baugh, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Along parts of the coast, relentless rain and early snowmelt made the sea barely distinguishable from the land.
    Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Oriahi has a solid handle on all craft aspects, though only the costumes by Yolanda Okereke are particularly distinguishable — her color stories popping in almost every scene.
    Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 16 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Different.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/different. Accessed 20 Sep. 2026.

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