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 Developmental samples are experimental by nature, often mixing different materials and fibers, playing around with sequins or embellishments, maybe integrating zippers or buttons. — Bella Webb, Vogue, 8 Oct. 2026 Spain has different rules for her own critics Spain was still talking about her critics in a more recent episode, during a conversation with influencer Coach Jackie. — Dan Zaksheske Outkick, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026 In 2026, the play caller and personnel are dramatically different — and so are the results. — Bob Ferrante, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Oct. 2026 To try a different address or clear your results, select Clear search location at the top of the map. — Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for different
Recent Examples of Synonyms for different
Adjective
  • Today a myriad of arts organizations champion wildly diverse missions.
    — Leslie Pariseau, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Wendi Weston, Sacramento County program coordinator for Master Food Preservers, said cultural and local education are core aspects of the group’s work, as California’s diverse population brings a melting pot of cuisines with it.
    — Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 11 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Corniel’s new settlement does not resolve separate wrongful death claims brought on behalf of Drakeo’s young son, Caiden Caldwell, by the child’s guardian.
    — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Matt Schnaars, president of platform distribution and partnerships for NBCUniversal, reinforced Shapiro’s observations in a separate session.
    — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • And yet that bright, sweet aroma is front and center in Creed Aventus, the distinctive eau de parfum widely believed to take inspiration from the French emperor’s indomitable spirit.
    — Robb Report, Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026
  • But the show’s appeal went beyond its distinctive look, according to the exec.
    — Mathew Scott, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Part of that is due to colorism and their mixed-race identities, and part of that is due to their respective sounds.
    — Kyle Denis, Billboard, 12 Oct. 2026
  • What else Dave Canales said Canales said that Jaelan Phillips (hamstring) and Jalen Coker (quad) will be evaluated for their respective availabilities this week and sounded optimistic.
    — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 12 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Coleman said each design has its own distinct character and can be styled individually, either as a subtle everyday detail or a sculptural statement.
    — Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Scientists have performed cosmic genealogy on planetary systems in the Milky Way, finding two distinct families that influence the evolution and fate of these systems.
    — Robert Lea, Space.com, 14 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The show is about the conglomeration of various immigrant groups and people taking advantage of one another in different ways in the Central Valley in California of that era.
    — Jasmine Vojdani, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Arden wouldn’t disclose which ones would feature, but various accounts by fashion publications previously reported that Winehouse also wore Alien by Thierry Mugler, Vera Wang Princess, and Givenchy’s Hot Couture.
    — Hikmat Mohammed, ARTnews.com, 10 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Stitt points out a photograph of Olney in a hallway near the bathroom, while recalling sharing wine with Lulu Peyraud, the beloved matriarch of the Domaine Tempier wine estate in Provence, among a collage of other French memories.
    — Leslie Pariseau, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Sunday's attack occurred as the Saudis hosted a major international energy conference in Riyadh, with other high-profile events including an investment gathering on the horizon.
    — SAMY MAGDY, Arkansas Online, 12 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • By combining them in different proportions, the researchers can create 16 distinguishable colours and at least 300 different shades.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Given medium, proportions, and form, from a distance Shift is barely distinguishable from the land.
    — Jeffrey Weiss, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Different.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/different. Accessed 15 Oct. 2026.

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