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

But the stage dynamics are just a little different now. —Chris Willman, Variety, 14 July 2025

Then, Frost met a doctor with a completely different approach — one that changed his life. —Rhitu Chatterjee, NPR, 14 July 2025

Now planners must contend with considerably different threats. —Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, 14 July 2025

The reality of franchising can be - and in the vast majority of cases, is - very different indeed. —Fiona Simpson, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025