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 Although the women’s aesthetics were different, their mindset was often similar. Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 1 July 2025 Each cancer journey is different, and others' stories can be irrelevant or trigger fears. Brittney Melton, NPR, 1 July 2025 The legendary rapper was quickly cremated, which his mother was a proponent of, but Knight stated that Pac had different plans for his funeral. Michael Saponara, Billboard, 1 July 2025 In early June, Politico reported that officials were vetting thousands of detainees from different countries, including European allies, for a potential transfer to Guantanamo Bay, a report that the White House denied at the time. Camilo Montoya-Galvez july 1, CBS News, 1 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for different
Recent Examples of Synonyms for different
Adjective
  • Launched in 1987, Street Fighter is a series of fighting games revolving around intense one-on-one battles between a diverse cast of martial artists, organized by M. Bison as a global fighting tournament.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 1 July 2025
  • His diverse family was the main motivation for applying to medical school.
    Chase Jordan, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • The Cleveland Cavaliers and LeBron James have a long history in two separate stints with each other.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 June 2025
  • All are coordinated and named by a single body, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), which has a separate name list for typhoons.
    Tom Brown, Space.com, 29 June 2025
Adjective
  • At the heart of this epic volume was renowned fashion designer Angela Dean, who crafted the distinctive gowns worn by the eight leading ladies on the cover: Halle Berry, Loretta Devine, Vivica A. Fox, Regina King, Michael Michele, Elise Neal, Queen Latifah and Jada Pinkett Smith.
    Essence, Essence, 25 June 2025
  • There is very little on the menu that’s distinctive.
    Eric E. Harrison, Arkansas Online, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • Joe Biden, and previously Barack Obama, did not achieve major federal reform for cannabis or significant clemency for those incarcerated for non-violent cannabis crimes during their respective terms.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025
  • Both executives will continue to own a minority stake in their respective businesses and in Radial.
    Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • While the divergence between the two is fair, its explanation lies elsewhere: Investor valuations and retail prices differ because they are driven by distinct fundamentals and considerations.
    Thibault Adrien, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • Rasmussen’s strategy is to lean into the company’s distinct ethos—faith, service, and financial stewardship—as a competitive advantage rather than a liability.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • Insurers ramped up the red tape in recent years, drawing the ire of patients, doctors and state policy makers who have championed various fixes to rein it in.
    Selena Simmons-Duffin, NPR, 24 June 2025
  • Among the equipment was various vertical light towers, often used for construction work or events.
    Skyler Swisher, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • Owen shares other stories, including personal accounts of people who have passed away, to remember them and raise awareness about their deaths.
    Meredith Wilshere, People.com, 29 June 2025
  • The attacks on law firms and lawyers, even as Chicago’s own Jenner & Block bravely resists, has nonetheless led to other firms with major offices in our city simply capitulating out of avarice or cowardice.
    Michael Pfleger, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2025
Adjective
  • Its geography is as varied as its ethnic composition.
    Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 30 June 2025
  • Other platforms pursue varied approaches within this framework.
    Roomy Khan, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Different.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/different. Accessed 7 Jul. 2025.

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