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 But as with Moore, sources have told us Phillips is well regarded for being able to juggle multiple, disparate challenges simultaneously, while big wins like The Traitors have improved her stock in recent years. Max Goldbart, Deadline, 18 June 2025 Research has found disparate mandatory reporting to be one reason that Black families, like Amy's, are investigated and their kids removed more often. Jayme Fraser, USA Today, 16 June 2025 But smashing all of these disparate titles together into one omnibus event had a numbing effect, stifling the impact any single project could make. Adam B. Vary, Variety, 1 June 2025 What’s the key to getting a group of disparate people to all buy into the same vision? Maria Fontoura, Rolling Stone, 7 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for disparate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disparate
Adjective
  • Al Hilal played with a very diverse roster as only three of its starters are from Saudi Arabia.
    Andre Fernandez, Miami Herald, 19 June 2025
  • His team supports both Ecolab’s 48,000 employees and a diverse global customer base, bringing together IT, digital product development and supply chain modernization under one strategic roof.
    Peter High, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
Adjective
  • Alaa’s family, campaigners, and parliamentarians are urging the UK government to take more concrete and decisive action—to deploy new and different tools, including amending FCDO travel advice for Egypt and considering sanctions on those responsible for Alaa’s unlawful incarceration.
    Margaret Busby June 20, Literary Hub, 20 June 2025
  • Schools across Ethiopia teach in fifty-one different languages, and students learn in at least two different languages during the course of their school years.
    Laura Clawson, JSTOR Daily, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • Unlike compensation packages that competitors can readily replicate, values alignment creates a distinctive organizational signature that strongly resists imitation—genuine congruence between how leaders navigate complex decisions and how your organization operates daily.
    Tara Fitzpatrick-Navarro, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
  • There is very little on the menu that’s distinctive.
    Eric E. Harrison, Arkansas Online, 25 June 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
  • Regardless of how the Fendi role shakes up, Chavarria is leaving a distinct mark on the global fashion industry.
    Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 23 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Disparate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disparate. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on disparate

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