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 Patterson and some council members downplayed the relevance of those findings, however, saying they were dated and conducted in different cities under different circumstances. Charlotte Observer, 27 Aug. 2026 Riders from different teams—direct competitors with different sponsors, leaders, and ambitions—form a dense, fast-moving pack. Harvard Business Review, 27 Aug. 2026 The approach could provide a more repeatable way to adapt navigation systems across different robots and environments, while keeping human oversight for important development and safety decisions. Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 27 Aug. 2026 This is different from the broader trend of newer nightclubs banning phones and other devices, too. Frank Landymore, Futurism, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for different
Recent Examples of Synonyms for different
Adjective
  • Johnson County, with Iowa City and its teeming suburbs, and Scott County's economically diverse cities of Davenport and Bettendorf help make the district among the most competitive in the country.
    ABC News, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026
  • While some may argue our city should reach higher, the entertainment offered by minor-league baseball would serve a more diverse community; see, for example, the Orlando Solar Bears minor-league hockey team.
    Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office later told PEOPLE that Hickerson was arrested in two separate incidents in August 2025.
    Sean Mandell, PEOPLE, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Across the 10 seasons PSR was in operation from 2015-16 onwards, our calculations turned up 40 separate instances of SCR excesses.
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • These colleagues have a distinctive feel for news in their hometown.
    Scott Lebar, Sacbee.com, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Or even last summer when their response to the magic of Bilbao was to become Best Practice FC again, and hope that Thomas Frank could replicate the distinctive culture of Brentford in N17.
    Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Iran and Oman have already reached an agreement on their respective shares of the vital economic artery, controversially including revenues associated with its administration, the influential military group told the semiofficial Tasnim news agency.
    Mike Sheen,Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Despite being technically undefeated — two wins and two unspectacular draws, as Alice and Beard are quick to point out — the players seem more enthused for what their respective groups have done rather than the team’s collective achievement.
    Keith Phipps, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Lee said her ultimate vision is to use BodyCodes to filter search results for the user, so she will only be served jeans from brands that fit her distinct shape.
    Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Tel-Rea, the Jedi character, is almost entirely melee-focused, but comes with her own entirely distinct skills and combat abilities, essentially requiring you to build your party around her.
    Hayes Madsen, Space.com, 26 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Sinestro was briefly mentioned last week, as Zoe read an online article about him betraying the Lanterns, for anyone unfamiliar with the comics, the film, or the various cartoons.
    Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 24 Aug. 2026
  • The companies, as well as various distributors, have over the years accused EABL of engaging in anti-competitive practices.
    Martin K.N Siele, semafor.com, 24 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • People can lose weight because of cancer, heart disease and other illnesses.
    Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Among other packaging tweaks, the 3-ounce and 8-ounce mists, as well as the 8-ounce wash, now use custom bottles that were developed specifically for this line.
    Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 26 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • But, the vehicles that will officially operate in Denver are even more distinguishable.
    Chierstin Roth, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The next hurdle for lifestyle influencers will be to make content that’s both useful and, crucially, distinguishable from what AI can do.
    Rebecca Jennings, Vulture, 30 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Different.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/different. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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