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 Roberts said the real draw of the film projector is that every screening will be different. Joseph Hernandez march 28, Kansas City Star, 28 Mar. 2026 Then, in late 2023, a different fissure system, called Svartsengi, took over. Quanta Magazine, 27 Mar. 2026 This Saturday’s protest, the first major one expected since Operation Metro Surge wound down last month, has a much different tone – music legend Bruce Springsteen is expected to perform, and demonstrators are encouraged to bring sunscreen. Rebekah Riess, CNN Money, 27 Mar. 2026 To introduce a character who’s practiced medicine in these environments, who’s treated patients in places where the entire country is turned into an ER, where resources are scarce and the need is unbelievably, overwhelmingly high, adds a different gravity to the hospital. Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 27 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for different
Recent Examples of Synonyms for different
Adjective
  • Allegheny County said South Park intentionally keeps its herd small, and sometimes individual bison are traded with zoos and wildlife preserves to keep the herd genetics healthy and diverse.
    Madeline Bartos, CBS News, 26 Mar. 2026
  • News of Coogler’s take on the beloved sci-fi procedural first emerged in 2023, when Carter revealed that Coogler had contacted him about rebooting the series with a diverse cast.
    Joe Otterson, Variety, 26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Gordon has missed 44 games this season with separate hamstring injuries.
    CBS News, CBS News, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Bathrooms have separate showers and tubs, and ultra-fluffy robes.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The first phase of the project includes full replacement of Gampel’s distinctive, but often troublesome roof, made of metal-clad, insulated triangular panels.
    Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 25 Mar. 2026
  • The poster for Norwood Park features the distinctive, colorful exterior of the Superdawg drive-in hot dog stand.
    Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Even though Earth and Jupiter are moving farther and farther away from each other in their respective orbits around the sun, Jupiter still outshines all the stars in Orion’s gang.
    Mike Lynch, Twin Cities, 29 Mar. 2026
  • All have since become runaway hits for their respective streaming services.
    Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Food and drink Like everything else at The Rooster, the food has a distinct sense of place but also a cosmopolitan sensibility.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Because of its distinct grooves and marks, the stone piece was believed to be some kind of board game – but obviously no rulebook was dug up to confirm this.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Earlier this month, nine defendants were found guilty of various charges, eight of them for providing material support for terrorism.
    Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 26 Mar. 2026
  • The team claims the technology could be applied across various fields, including robotic grippers that require repetitive motion and deployable structures for space missions, where lightweight and reliable actuation systems are critical.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Yet University City has never developed the kind of independent dining culture that has flourished in other parts of Charlotte.
    Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 24 Mar. 2026
  • Offer availability, placement, and display are determined by the third party and may be influenced by compensation and other factors.
    Brian Sloan,Dan Avery, CNBC, 24 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • For Fall 2026, creative director Anthony Vaccarello showcased a series of single- and double-breasted black suits, distinguishable from one another by the slightest shade.
    Kevin Huynh, InStyle, 12 Mar. 2026
  • The details of the plot are not particularly important or distinguishable from previous entries.
    Michael Ordoña, San Francisco Chronicle, 26 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Different.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/different. Accessed 30 Mar. 2026.

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