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 Its hooves are an example of a phenomenon called convergent evolution in which disparate organisms independently evolve similar features — like the wings of birds, bats and the extinct flying reptiles called pterosaurs — while adapting to similar environments or ecological niches. Reuters, NBC news, 24 Oct. 2025 Since a large portion of the internet depends on AWS, the outage cascaded across major firms in disparate industries, leaving some people unable to access airline information or make everyday purchases, Qi Liao, a professor of computer science at Central Michigan University, told ABC News. Max Zahn, ABC News, 21 Oct. 2025 In the streaming era, live sports are the one programming format still reeling in the large simultaneous audiences that advertisers and distributors crave, and generating the kind of chatter on social media that unites crowds across disparate screens. Brian Steinberg, Variety, 20 Oct. 2025 There is a connection between these two seemingly disparate happenings beyond what appears at first glance. Brian Robin, Oc Register, 17 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for disparate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disparate
Adjective
  • With such a prolific and diverse career, Beyoncé has simply too many iconic looks to choose from.
    Diana Pearl, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025
  • These teams combine the boundary-busting power of AI with diverse human expertise to consistently produce breakthrough solutions.
    François Candelon, Fortune, 31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The characters are all different, but the contrast in personalities was similar.
    Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Lee made a video about the clear-shoe trend, adopted by the likes of Simone Rocha and Loewe for spring 2026; Loewe layered socks of different colors with transparent kitten heels.
    Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Each of these titles represents a distinctive cinematic vision — works that captivate with their visual language, emotional depth, and masterful craftsmanship.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 29 Oct. 2025
  • Dry lower-leg skin in African-American women is distinctive for its downregulation of several free fatty acids.
    Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harpers Magazine, 29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • This approach is distinct from other methods that require physically touching the object.
    Elizabeth Howell, Space.com, 26 Oct. 2025
  • In America’s political duopoly, smaller parties often represent distinct voices and ideologies that neverthless have little chance in most contests above the local level.
    Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 26 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Disparate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disparate. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on disparate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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