Definition of disparatenext

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 Yes, while taking their holiday in Benedict's country home, all the ingredients are there for the pair to fall hopelessly in love with each other, in spite of their disparate social stations and the secret Sophie is harboring about the masquerade ball. Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 29 Jan. 2026 The two begin a tentative romance, aware of their disparate cultures, but things take a dark turn when Emily is diagnosed with a rare disorder. Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Jan. 2026 In an interview edited for length and clarity, Was talked about his musical roots in Detroit, how the ensemble embodies the city’s disparate musical roots, why the group decided to play a 50-year-old Grateful Dead album in full at their shows, and more. Peter Larsen, Oc Register, 28 Jan. 2026 Otherwise disparate segments of Iranian society, such as the conservative Bazaari merchants hitherto largely loyal to the clerics and more liberal and secular Iranian youth, shared this overarching goal. Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for disparate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disparate
Adjective
  • The new installment promises challenges across diverse locations, from navigating the Angolan desert in track vehicles to immersing in Malaysia’s automotive scene and testing American performance cars in California.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Everyone, for different reasons, will be watching to see if this experiment in democratic socialist governance in a city as diverse and unwieldy as New York City will succeed or fail.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The disappearance of Savannah Guthrie’s mom has left a lot of people scrambling in different ways.
    Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Woodblock plans to work with leading animation studios from around the world to animate episodes that feature creatures from different countries and regions.
    Ed Meza, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Seekers of Infinite Love balances big laughs with big feelings, and the cast delivers in a way that makes the film both distinctive and relatable.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Cort later reemerged as a distinctive supporting presence in film and television.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • New research shows that people with obesity host a distinct oral microbiome compared to individuals at a healthy weight.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Here are 10 facts that make Presidents’ Day a distinct, and often misunderstood, national holiday.
    Tiago Ventura, Time, 14 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Disparate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disparate. Accessed 18 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on disparate

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