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 That’s the Rashee Rice role, even if from a player with a drastically different build. Kansas City Star, 6 Sep. 2025 Leonard’s situation is clearly different in ways that could favor the Clippers. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 5 Sep. 2025 Your past three movies on the surface are very different. Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 2025 The film was selected and awarded in further different festivals such as Toulouse, Torino and Miami. Emiliano De Pablos, Variety, 5 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for different
Recent Examples of Synonyms for different
Adjective
  • Her 8-year-old son Auron has been studying the diverse plants that grow there and learning to pull up invasive species.
    Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Film Festival with a robust lineup led by female filmmakers, highlighting the nation’s growing influence in international cinema through diverse storytelling approaches.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Judge Marilyn Zayas dissented, arguing the appeals court did not have jurisdiction because prosecutors currently are appealing a separate issue to the Ohio Supreme Court related to the Jones case.
    Dan Horn, The Enquirer, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Rock 'n' Roller Coaster changes At a separate media preview preceding Destination D23, Disney revealed more details on the reimagining of Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
    Eve Chen, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • It is known to have a distinctive smell and a creamy, custardy texture.
    Sophie Carson, jsonline.com, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Do a reverse image search of the pet's photo and search for a distinctive phrase in the description.
    Abreanna Blose, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • In January, nearly two years into Todd and Julie's respective 12-year and seven-year sentences, Chase had his own run-in with the law when he was taken into custody and charged with simple battery after allegedly striking the manager of an Atlanta-area sports bar in the face.
    Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 3 Sep. 2025
  • So far, the House and Senate have each only passed two appropriations bills through their respective chambers – though the lower chamber has pushed nine bills out of committee and the Senate has managed to clear eight of its bills from committee.
    Lauren Peller, ABC News, 2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • China’s three distinct tech phases China’s tech success over the past 20 years was really achieved in three phases.
    Rich Karlgaard, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Do a separate soil test for each distinct area of your yard, such as existing or future vegetable gardens, flower beds, and lawns, because the lab recommendations will depend on the type of plants in that area.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Today, Interpol unites 196 member countries under the leadership of a secretary general, orchestrating daily operations to combat various international crimes.
    Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Those born just afterwards — Steve McManaman, Darren Anderton (both 1972), Jamie Redknapp (1973) — made 37, 30 and 17 international appearances respectively, much fewer than their talent would have suggested, for various reasons.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Lopez noted and mocked Johnson’s comments, sarcastically asking why the mayor didn’t blame it on other historic phenomena.
    Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Additional locations may experience flooding during periods of heavy rainfall, high winds, or other factors.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • His distinguishable look, punctuated by a large black beard, became iconic.
    Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 19 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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