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 The Eras Tour kicked off in March 2023 and lasted through December 2024, with the 14-time Grammy winner playing 149 shows across five different continents. Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 3 Oct. 2025 The records paint a different picture. Lawrence Mower, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2025 Because different minerals and rock types absorb and reflect light in subtly different ways across the spectrum, having fine spectral resolution is crucial to pinpoint where these minerals might be. Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 3 Oct. 2025 The next day will be different again. Terry Flores, Variety, 3 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for different
Recent Examples of Synonyms for different
Adjective
  • Armenia was another new sourcing showcase, with an offer of 11 manufacturers of diverse profiles, from sportswear to outerwear.
    Ellen Groves, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Taiwan president Lai Ching-te promised to honor the referendum result while focusing on diverse energy sources.
    Yu-Tzu Chiu, IEEE Spectrum, 2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Its dual-tank water system keeps clean and dirty water separate, while the multi-surface brush roll handles sealed hard floors and rugs.
    Caitlyn Martyn may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 7 Oct. 2025
  • The study, conducted by a research team in Denmark, included an analysis of 19 separate clinical trials that evaluated tramadol versus a placebo in treating various types of chronic pain.
    Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The ground floor is home to the offices of creative director Gherardo Felloni and longtime brand ambassador Inès de la Fressange; the Salon de l’Héritage, an exhibition space and the Salon Vivier reception room, which reflects the distinctive interior design taste of the house’s founder.
    Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 1 Oct. 2025
  • From the modernist, Black figuration of Kwami’s ceramics to Abban’s documentary portrayals of Ghanaian protest movements and architecture, these artists responded to the distinctive, pedestrian layers of postcolonial life.
    Edna Bonhomme, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • There are players chiseled like stone who support their respective teams.
    Stan Son, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Their respective votes will each count 50% towards the films’ final scores.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • One site, as reported by Phys, had a distinct path, whereas another lacked these types of markers.
    Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Among the most popular are Scorpios, Macakizi, and Xuma Village, each offering its own distinct energy, style, and soundtrack.
    Susmita Baral, Travel + Leisure, 5 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Perched on a hillside, The Hotel Hershey has family-friendly guest rooms, suites, and villas; amenities and activities like hiking trails and family s’mores roasts; a special kids check-in process; and various perks and benefits for visiting the local attractions.
    Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 4 Oct. 2025
  • The 26-foot-tall bronze sculpture depicts a male figure that transforms into tree branches housing various bird species.
    Duante Beddingfield, Freep.com, 4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette maintains full editorial control over this article and all other coverage.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Oct. 2025
  • The Harvest Moon is the full moon closest to the fall equinox and has several other names.
    Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The structure of Pittsburgh’s tax, which involves applying a different rate to nonresidents, is distinguishable from many other such taxes, which typically apply the same rate to visiting players.
    Robert Raiola, Sportico.com, 27 Sep. 2025
  • The 300-second exposure shows the wandering solar system body as a minute dot, barely distinguishable among the stellar giants populating the distant starfield beyond.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 1 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Different.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/different. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on different

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