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 Bestowing a different kind of moving stillness from his recent works, with sequences that convey a radiant atmosphere and buzzing natural life, Back Home draws attention to the brilliance all around, a homecoming of sorts after a string of films about a Walker in exile. Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 7 Aug. 2025 Unlike many artists, who tease singles for months and space out releases by years, YoungBoy takes a different approach. Xander Zellner, Billboard, 7 Aug. 2025 And in a different carousel of photos, which Justin shared on Friday, the singer once again cozied up to his wife, wrapping his arms around her in what appeared to be candid shots. Bailey Richards, People.com, 27 July 2025 The Enquirer tried to contact ICE spokespeople via two different emails, separately contacted the Detroit field office, and requested any reports related to the alleged prank. Victoria Moorwood, The Enquirer, 27 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for different
Recent Examples of Synonyms for different
Adjective
  • That includes examining how digital agents interact with diverse teams, supporting inclusion efforts and avoiding bias amplification through unchecked machine learning.
    Dr. Timothy J. Giardino, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025
  • Your commitment to innovation is clear from the stock photos of a diverse group of people deeply engaged in what appears to be a breakthrough moment involving a laptop and some very enthusiastic pointing.
    Greg Mania, New Yorker, 6 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Both Elvis Presley and The Beatles have done so with four separate charting entities.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2025
  • As a secondary option, Engine suggests that if a standalone path does not appear viable then the board should consider selling the entire company or splitting LSS and BPS into separate entities.
    Kenneth Squire, CNBC, 16 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The robber was seen in the surveillance footage wearing distinctive blue and white high-top shoes, the affidavit states.
    Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Aug. 2025
  • The use of these distinctive ingredients has helped make Delfin one of just a handful of expedition lines that are part of Relais & Châteaux, a hospitality collective known for culinary prowess.
    Chrissie McClatchie, Travel + Leisure, 11 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Those looking to make a right turn would proceed through the interchange as normal, and those traveling straight will approach a second traffic signal, where they are then shifted back to their respective sides of the road, according to WisDOT.
    Liliana Fannin, jsonline.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • The two met in their respective professional debuts back in November 2016, with Shields winning a four-round unanimous decision.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Cutting this rate encourages economic activity in two distinct ways.
    Brian Domitrovic, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2025
  • The Old Farmer's Almanac, distinct from the Farmers' Almanac, claims an 80% accuracy rate for its weather predictions.
    Laura Daniella Sepulveda, AZCentral.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The new trauma center, located in the Harambee neighborhood at 2669 N. King Drive, will offer various holistic health services for victims of trafficking, domestic abuse and trauma, an issue that has become increasingly prevalent across the city.
    Everett Eaton, jsonline.com, 9 Aug. 2025
  • Survivor 50 has been themed In the Hands of the Fans, with viewers being able to vote on various aspects of the game when season 48 aired earlier this year.
    Carson Blackwelder, People.com, 8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The caramelization process converts starches to sugar in sweet potatoes as well as in other veggies.
    Bethany Thayer, Freep.com, 16 Aug. 2025
  • Third, both Trump and Xi want to meet each other, most likely in the Fall in Asia.
    Scott Kennedy, Time, 16 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Interactions with pets do occur, though the outcomes are varied and unpredictable.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 1 Aug. 2025
  • But given her job and role as a public intellectual, her broader media and information diet is necessarily varied and voluminous.
    Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 31 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Different.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/different. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.

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