Synonym Chooser

How is the word disparate different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of disparate are different, divergent, diverse, and various. While all these words mean "unlike in kind or character," disparate emphasizes incongruity or incompatibility.

disparate notions of freedom

When can different be used instead of disparate?

The words different and disparate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, different may imply little more than separateness but it may also imply contrast or contrariness.

different foods

When is it sensible to use divergent instead of disparate?

In some situations, the words divergent and disparate are roughly equivalent. However, 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 disparate?

While the synonyms diverse and disparate are close in meaning, diverse implies both distinctness and marked contrast.

such diverse interests as dancing and football

When could various be used to replace disparate?

While in some cases nearly identical to disparate, 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 disparate The smartest turn in Collier’s speech was to invoke the names of Clark, Reese, and Bueckers—three players with disparate and sometimes misaligned fan bases—pitting Engelbert against not only the players but the world. Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 5 Oct. 2025 The show, which features more than 35 pieces in a series of disparate environments, evolved out of a long-standing relationship between Strachan and LACMA. Julie Belcove, Robb Report, 5 Oct. 2025 The disparate reactions suggest that not everyone criticizing the film has seen it. Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 2 Oct. 2025 Such as especially the case with sneakers, which can be cobbled together from as many as 60 wholly disparate parts, each designed to coddle, protect or perform, from leather uppers to EVA midsoles to the individual metal eyelet through which a cotton or polyester shoelace can be braced and secured. Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 1 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for disparate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disparate
Adjective
  • Defined by its natural reserve and diverse wildlife, Al Jurf is becoming home to an increasing number of luxury villas with its real estate market driven by the influx of new residents from Russia and India.
    Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2025
  • For Abdy, the route to to boost the studio’s output is building a diverse slate of films, whether a movie based on known IP, such as Minecraft, or an original swing, or rebooting a long-dormant franchise.
    Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • While malls generally prohibit firearms of any kind inside, businesses along public streets face a different situation.
    Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Stephanie Gioia-Beckman, a senior director at the Policy & Innovation Center, noted that all of these different job classifications require many hours of supervised work in addition to classroom instruction.
    Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Ross, with his distinctive afro, soothing voice and sunny outlook, empowered millions of viewers to make and appreciate art through his show The Joy of Painting.
    Rachel Treisman, NPR, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Because the brand has not had a particularly distinctive point of view for several seasons, Dario Vitale successfully mixed it up with very retro references, a youthful exuberance, and separated his point of view from his predecessor, Donatella.
    Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • At the vacation rentals below, uncover all that is distinct and dreamy in Scotland, from coastal cottages to Georgian manor homes.
    Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 12 Oct. 2025
  • The fake tundra surrounding the cast definitely had a distinct odor to it.
    Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Disparate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disparate. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on disparate

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