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 But the life of an heiress with the wealth of two billion-dollar American businesses looks a lot different. Preston Fore, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2025 Recognize that your life is just going to be different for a period of time — that this is not forever. Kat McGowan, NPR, 18 Oct. 2025 In addition to setting up his Instagram account, Lopez also inspired Guzman with her ability to balance so many different roles at one time. Sabienna Bowman, PEOPLE, 18 Oct. 2025 Both grow best in the cool temperatures of early spring and autumn, and the two have root systems that are completely different, which is ideal for companion plants. Heather Bien, Southern Living, 18 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for different
Recent Examples of Synonyms for different
Adjective
  • Regions of diverse dinosaurs The new study paints a portrait of two very different dinosaur communities divided between the north and south regions of the continent.
    Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Today, the boardrooms of the nation’s largest companies have never been more diverse.
    Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • In May 2016, police collected DNA evidence from Clay after he was arrested on separate theft charges.
    Kelsey Lentz, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025
  • Radiolarians were visible throughout the book, which was published as separate volumes between 1899 and 1904 and finally as a complete edition in 1904 with one hundred full-page lithographs.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • At a panel discussion at Carnegie Hall in 1999, Dohnányi got into a minor fracas with his esteemed colleague Pierre Boulez over the distinctive tone of French bassoons.
    Alex Ross, New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2025
  • The country superstar will return to the distinctive venue for shows June 19-20, 24 and 26-27.
    Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Both sides think more like lawyers than historians, deriving their satisfaction from scoring points as advocates for their respective clients.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Many of the supporting players, specifically Morgan, Sasha, and Esther, are also starting new chapters after ending their respective relationships.
    Allison DeGrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • This approach is distinct from other methods that require physically touching the object.
    Elizabeth Howell, Space.com, 26 Oct. 2025
  • In America’s political duopoly, smaller parties often represent distinct voices and ideologies that neverthless have little chance in most contests above the local level.
    Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Their philanthropy touches all 12 of the university’s schools and colleges, as well as the university’s libraries, student affairs, athletics and various funds across campus.
    Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Since then, she's made stops in various cities across the United States, Canada and Australia, and Perry is now traveling around the world to connect with more fans.
    Nicholas Rice, PEOPLE, 26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • This belies the question of whether those who are looking to deliver punishment are acting in good faith, a concern that became part of the appeals court decision in the El Salvador case and has subsequently been raised in other courtrooms as well.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Apart from the free transfer of Canadian striker David, Juventus’ other recruits joined late window.
    James Horncastle, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The structure of Pittsburgh’s tax, which involves applying a different rate to nonresidents, is distinguishable from many other such taxes, which typically apply the same rate to visiting players.
    Robert Raiola, Sportico.com, 27 Sep. 2025
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Different.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/different. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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