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 Benito being able to flow in terms of working with all these different people, and the way that different people move. Rebecca Milzoff, Billboard, 30 Jan. 2026 This series introduces little ones to many different topics and themes, including learning about community helpers and family values, in a way that feels fun. Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 30 Jan. 2026 Other Cruz fundraising pleas have used different breakdowns. Joseph Morton, Dallas Morning News, 30 Jan. 2026 Nicolas Thompson-Lleras, a Los Angeles attorney who counsels immigrants facing deportation, said two of his clients were registered under aliases at different hospitals in Los Angeles County last year. Claudia Boyd-Barrett, Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for different
Recent Examples of Synonyms for different
Adjective
  • This launch represents a significant step toward turning robots into universal, upgradable machines capable of performing diverse tasks in homes and workplaces.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Hood said investors shouldn’t worry about the exposure to one of Microsoft’s major partners, pointing out that roughly $344 billion of the RPO came from a diverse set of other customers.
    Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The issue of federal immigration action specifically has been repeatedly challenged following two separate shooting deaths in Minneapolis at the hands of federal officials.
    Kate Perez, USA Today, 2 Feb. 2026
  • While the committees often report the names of contributors, the donors are sometimes cloaked in anonymity, either through obscure business entities or separate nonprofits that don’t need to disclose their donors.
    Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 1 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The result was the emergence of a distinctive national cinema that speaks both to universal human experiences and to specifically Korean concerns.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026
  • And in order to do that, based on what clear, distinctive competence?
    Big Think, Big Think, 28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Last fall’s merger brought together two youth leagues with long roots in their respective communities.
    Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Feb. 2026
  • Lady Gaga trails Lamar with seven nominations, while Bad Bunny and Sabrina Carpenter earned six respective nods.
    McKinley Franklin, HollywoodReporter, 1 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Each room offered a distinct sonic environment, encouraging guests to explore and engage with the artworks.
    Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 1 Feb. 2026
  • Speaking of, the town itself retains a gritty, authentic coal-mining charm, distinct from the polished resort villages elsewhere.
    Brent Rose, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Over the past week, Glenn has reached out to various veteran offensive coaches about a potential role on his staff.
    Zack Rosenblatt, New York Times, 28 Jan. 2026
  • She was arrested last August by a special counsel, with prosecutors requesting 15 years in prison for the various crimes the court ruled on Wednesday.
    Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • This article was generated by the Bay Area Home Report Bot, software that analyzes home sales or other data and creates an article based on a template created by humans.
    Bay Area Home Report, Mercury News, 27 Jan. 2026
  • The data included not only tax returns but also investment details, stock trades, gambling winnings, audit determinations, and other financial information.
    Danielle Chemtob, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • This hack saves you counter space while keeping ingredients distinguishable and accessible.
    Melissa Epifano, The Spruce, 26 Jan. 2026
  • Like a bay leaf in a savory sauce, the bass provides essential tone and depth, even if its flavor isn’t distinguishable at first.
    Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 23 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Different.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/different. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.

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