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 Our current trajectory is to scale these metal recovery facilities in different geographies of the US, particularly areas of concentrated solar installations. Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 20 Feb. 2026 That show also had been conceived as a triptych, with each season tackling a different theme — grief, forgiveness and moving forward, respectively — as Segel’s therapist character has been dealing with the death of his wife. Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 20 Feb. 2026 The discrepancies between judges from different countries are interesting to note. Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 20 Feb. 2026 There is currently no one diagnostic test; just different tests, that typically take hours, to confirm the presence, and possibly the type, of infection. Harriet Marsden, TheWeek, 20 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for different
Recent Examples of Synonyms for different
Adjective
  • From the colorful, floppy hairstyles of Korean boy band Stray Kids, or the non-binary wardrobes of trailblazing singers like G-Dragon of Big Bang and Seonghwa of ATEEZ, K-pop’s male idols have long fostered diverse expressions of masculinity.
    Kati Chitrakorn, CNN Money, 19 Feb. 2026
  • The news of Lords was met with heavy criticism from the CHAAD Project and some in the Humboldt Park community, who said allowing the owners to open a business in a neighborhood that’s home to a lot of diverse industry people, despite the allegations against Fleming, puts them at risk.
    Zareen Syed, Chicago Tribune, 19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Alan Cumming briefly paused Sunday's BAFTA Film Awards on two separate occasions to address the expletives and racial slur that Tourette's syndrome advocate John Davidson yelled during the telecast, according to reports.
    Pamela Avila, USA Today, 23 Feb. 2026
  • Hottovy pointed out that for years, things like PFPs, bullpens, time in the lab were all separate and not treated as workload.
    Sahadev Sharma, New York Times, 22 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Occasionally the most lighthearted of the three divisions, Animated Shorts, as expected, also has the most distinctive visuals.
    Stephen Schaefer, Boston Herald, 18 Feb. 2026
  • These elements come together in a sophisticated set of over-ears with distinctive design elements including vintage-style grills, and a window on the ear cup to showcase the tube preamp within.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Although Thompson and Sheppard are clearly at the early stages of their respective careers, Houston needs both of them to grow up fast so this team can have a chance at making a deep run in the Western Conference.
    William Guillory, New York Times, 22 Feb. 2026
  • Scores of local restaurants are diving into their respective festivities with special menus and events.
    Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 22 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The most widespread Games in history created distinct pockets of Olympic spirit separated by hours on trains and miles of winding mountain roads.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2026
  • Held is in good company at Goldman Sachs, where former pros are muscling their distinct skill sets to succeed in new careers.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 22 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The city of Malibu sued the state and the city and county of Los Angeles and other entities on Wednesday, accusing them of various failures that led to the start and proliferation of the Palisades fire that destroyed hundreds of Malibu homes along with municipal facilities and infrastructure.
    City News Service, Daily News, 19 Feb. 2026
  • Six of the members were previously rescued with various injuries.
    Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Since first taking place in the 1940s, cloud seeding experiments have raised concern over potential environmental and ecological risks and stoked regional security tensions, with countries accusing each other of stealing rain.
    Sam Meredith, CNBC, 24 Feb. 2026
  • The committee approved the East Village Green item 3-0 as part of the consent agenda, meaning it was considered routine and grouped alongside other items for approval with minimal discussion.
    Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Feb. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Different.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/different. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.

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