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 Boorstin joined the company earlier this month after a 10-year run with Studio71, a cutting-edge digital services provider that helps creators scale their content across disparate platforms. Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 18 Aug. 2026 The United States’ primary goal for three and a half decades has been to lock its disparate allies into an order built around protecting Israel while containing, at first, Iran and Iraq, and more recently Iran and its nonstate allies. Marc Lynch, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026 They also were reared in the disparate and yet beneficial worlds of humility and attention. Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 18 Aug. 2026 The sheriff's office sits in the middle of these two disparate sides in Defuniak Springs. Marisa Peñaloza, NPR, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for disparate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disparate
Adjective
  • Johnson County, with Iowa City and its teeming suburbs, and Scott County's economically diverse cities of Davenport and Bettendorf help make the district among the most competitive in the country.
    ABC News, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026
  • While some may argue our city should reach higher, the entertainment offered by minor-league baseball would serve a more diverse community; see, for example, the Orlando Solar Bears minor-league hockey team.
    Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Mike Coppola | Getty Images Rare Ventures will initially focus on funding the development of new treatments for seven different rare conditions.
    Brad Quick, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • His October episode with Hailey Bieber also comes to mind — in a different way.
    Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 28 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • These challenging conditions are precisely what make a summer off-road safari such a distinctive way to experience Iceland’s rugged interior.
    Gwen Nicol, Travel + Leisure, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Meghna Gulzar has a very distinctive voice and an ability to approach difficult subjects with both restraint and intensity.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 28 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Lee said her ultimate vision is to use BodyCodes to filter search results for the user, so she will only be served jeans from brands that fit her distinct shape.
    Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Tel-Rea, the Jedi character, is almost entirely melee-focused, but comes with her own entirely distinct skills and combat abilities, essentially requiring you to build your party around her.
    Hayes Madsen, Space.com, 26 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Disparate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disparate. Accessed 31 Aug. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster