Synonyms of different

different

adjective

ˈdi-f(ə-)rənt 

1

as in diverse

being not of the same kind

how are plantains different from bananas?

Synonyms & Similar Words

• diverse
• distinctive
• distinct
• other
• distinguishable
• varied
• dissimilar
• various
• disparate
• several
• unlike
• divergent
• differentiable
• distant
• mixed
• unalike
• nonidentical
• variant
• miscellaneous
• alternative
• sundry
• individual
• alternate
• particular
• unequal
• single
• discriminable
• disproportionate
• divers
• peculiar

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• same
• similar
• identical
• like
• parallel
• indistinguishable
• kindred
• equal
• kin
• alike
• equivalent
• related
• comparable
• analogous
• tantamount
• homogeneous
• homologous
• akin
• uniform
• selfsame
• homogenous
• homological

2

as in separate

not the same or shared

my brother and I sleep in different rooms when we travel

Synonyms & Similar Words

• separate
• respective
• various
• individual
• diverse
• dissimilar
• divergent
• disparate
• varied
• distinctive
• distinct
• distinguishable
• unalike

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• same
• identical
• very
• selfsame

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

Recent Examples of different

The key to making green-on-green palette looking lush, not one note, is keep it to mix plants and shrubs with different forms and textures. —Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Oct. 2025

Organizations, like people, move through different seasons, each with its own rhythms and demands. —Harvard Business Review, 17 Oct. 2025

The Steelers had Russell Wilson and Justin Fields playing quarterback last season, but decided to go a different route this off-season. —Mark Kern, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025

This time, the stakes are different. —Zach Sweet, Kansas City Star, 17 Oct. 2025