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 People come to his music in different ways, and at different times — in history and in their lives. Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 15 May 2025 He’s worked a host of different jobs, but finding work has often been complicated by his criminal record. Matt Sedensky, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2025 Theme park Silver Dollar City is consistently rated as one of the top amusement parks in the country by USA Today, and 2025’s rankings are no different. Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 15 May 2025 Vatican happenings were no different, as Romans put money down not only on conclave selections but cardinal appointments and papal activities as well. Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 4 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for different
Recent Examples of Synonyms for different
Adjective
  • Answering these questions requires a diverse set of tools that were not yet invented when the site was first researched in the 1960s.
    Michael Ray Taylor, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 May 2025
  • While teams can double or triple up on each kit before a run, that’s not a good idea either; a diverse selection of loadouts affords more varied interactions that will benefit the group as a whole.
    Jason Fanelli, Rolling Stone, 14 May 2025
Adjective
  • The victim was later identified as Terry Lee Gambrel, a 25-year-old Marine corporal, who had hitched a ride with Kraft to meet friends at a party, the sheriff's department said in a separate release.
    Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 13 May 2025
  • Four of the faith groups have since filed two separate lawsuits, one of which recently resulted in a ruling that should have restarted the program.
    Jack Jenkins, NPR, 12 May 2025
Adjective
  • What Is 'Real Housewives Of Rhode Island'? While the franchise is best known for the drama, luxury and personal narratives that unfold in cities like Beverly Hills and Atlanta, Bravo hopes that The Real Housewives of Rhode Island will offer a distinctive Northeastern flavor.
    Kate Nalepinski, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 May 2025
  • Bottled at 93 proof, Lucky 13 undergoes proofing with Widow Jane’s famous limestone water from Rosendale Mines, giving it a distinctive mineral complexity.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
Adjective
  • Both teams come into the series in first place in their respective divisions.
    Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 16 May 2025
  • Differences In Management Scope And Complexity Another significant distinction between DSTs and 721 REITs is the scope of their investments and the respective management complexities associated with them.
    Chay Lapin, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • One of the most effective ways to do this is by specializing in client segments with distinct financial needs, values, and life experiences.
    Jason Katz, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025
  • Its distinct big band sound and rhythms attracted both young and old on Friday night including Haitian konpa fans pushing walkers.
    Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 17 May 2025
Adjective
  • The studios’ dollars currently go further overseas due to various lucrative tax incentives.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 5 May 2025
  • Diddy plea deal denied, Cassie video to be allowed as evidence In the lead-up to the May 5 start date, attorneys for the prosecution and the defense have been in court for pretrial hearings to discuss various procedural matters.
    Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 4 May 2025
Adjective
  • Court records show three of the burglary charges are from Seminole County and the two other burglary charges, along with the petit theft charge, are from a Volusia County warrant.
    Silas Morgan, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 May 2025
  • Because the fire is in a residential area, fighting the fire has strained the immediate water grid, Wallace said, leading the department to bring in water from other, larger water mains.
    Racquel Bazos, Baltimore Sun, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • Alternatives, a varied category of assets beyond traditional equities and bonds, can significantly enhance portfolio resilience and growth.
    Fred Hubler, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
  • CrossFit is based on the philosophy that constantly varied movements performed with moderate intensity improve physical competence.
    Daryl Austin, USA Today, 12 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Different.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/different. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on different

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!