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 Lewis and Peters were each convicted of attempting to influence a public servant, but also convicted of additional, different crimes. Arkansas Online, 6 Mar. 2026 Within each of these three categories skiers compete in different divisions depending on their functional ability. ABC News, 6 Mar. 2026 She’s chosen a very different route and a very different life. Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 6 Mar. 2026 Khloé Kardashian’s 3-year-old son Tatum came very close to having a dramatically different name. Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 6 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for different
Recent Examples of Synonyms for different
Adjective
  • These factors have turned the Ellisons into Murdoch-like pariahs among many Democrats, and have brought together a somewhat ideologically diverse antitrust coalition, ranging from the more centrist wing of the Democratic Party to the progressive left.
    Max Tani, semafor.com, 6 Mar. 2026
  • Multiple candidates among the leading contenders represent diverse backgrounds and experiences capable of addressing California’s major challenges.
    Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Not long after the festival, the band went their separate ways.
    Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026
  • The stock rebounded after a separate filing Monday showed controlling shareholders plan to increase their stakes through open-market purchases.
    Shirley Zhao, Bloomberg, 9 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The mangrove environment creates a distinctive paddling experience.
    Taylor Haught, Miami Herald, 4 Mar. 2026
  • Founded in 1929 in Prague, Czechoslovakia, Jawa’s first model was the 500 OHV, which did wonders in establishing the brand’s reputation for solid engineering and distinctive design.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The two lawsuits center on access at federal buildings on the outskirts of Chicago and Minneapolis, where clergy said detainees were held for multiple days during the respective enforcement surges last fall and earlier this winter.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Mar. 2026
  • Camp might be quiet at the moment with several players away from the Mets to play for their respective countries, but as long as Peralta is around, there is always plenty of energy.
    Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 8 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • But Yee hopes that straight talk and her distinct lack of ornamentation will count for something with California voters.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2026
  • Their resistance carried distinct risks.
    Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 8 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Today, the famous doll comes in various body types, skin tones, hair textures and physical abilities.
    Kati Chitrakorn, CNN Money, 5 Mar. 2026
  • To understand how federal agents are using various Department of Homeland Security surveillance tools in real time, NPR collected dozens of accounts — through interviews and court documents — describing confrontations with federal immigration officers in recent months.
    Meg Anderson, NPR, 4 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Boise State would hang around for the final two-minute period, which stretched to about 30 minutes of actual time, as both teams repeatedly sent each other to the free-throw line and called timeouts.
    Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 10 Mar. 2026
  • There also have been several deaths in other Gulf countries.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • In the city’s Financial District, home to Canada’s major banks, locals are easily distinguishable from tourists and visitors by the conspicuous absence of winter paraphernalia.
    Vivian Song, CNN Money, 17 Feb. 2026
  • Two executive chefs ago, Georgie had a distinguishable French bent under the leadership of RJ Yoakum, who previously spent years working for Thomas Keller at The French Laundry.
    Claire Ballor Staff Reporter, Dallas Morning News, 11 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Different.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/different. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.

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!

More from Merriam-Webster