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 This is the domain of scientists, artists and innovators who connect disparate ideas to create original work. Sho Dewan, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026 Yet many decision-makers in UEFA are not convinced that women’s football should mimic the fiscal regulations of the men’s game when the sports are at disparate growth points. Megan Feringa, New York Times, 27 May 2026 The comedic throughline and slapstick physical humor make all of these disparate film elements work together wonderfully. Gabriel Zamora, PC Magazine, 26 May 2026 But its outputs can still produce what researchers call disparate impact – unequal harm, distributed unequally. Pragati Awasthi, The Conversation, 26 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for disparate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disparate
Adjective
  • Next week’s trip provides Xi yet another opportunity to present himself as a geopolitical power broker with direct lines to a diverse cast of counterparts.
    Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 5 June 2026
  • Expect indoor and open-air shows from more than 50 local and regional acts in diverse genres, organizers said, from punk and hip hop to folk, metal and jazz.
    John Wenzel, Denver Post, 4 June 2026
Adjective
  • Officials at the Air Resources Board then spent the last several months drafting and revising the plan voted on this week, which received considerable feedback from oil and gas companies, environmental groups, lobbyists and lawmakers all jockeying for different priorities.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2026
  • Each ticket costs $5, and players may pick six numbers from two separate pools of numbers - five different numbers from 1 to 70 (the white balls) and one number from 1 to 24 (the gold Mega Ball) - or select Easy Pick/Quick Pick.
    Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 30 May 2026
Adjective
  • Christine Vachon and Pamela Koffler play a central role in American independent cinema, championing bold, ambitious and distinctive storytelling.
    Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 10 June 2026
  • Her distinctive voice has been Widowspeak’s emblem since the band first emerged, warbled like Mazzy Star’s Hope Sandoval over CB radio.
    Linnie Greene, Pitchfork, 10 June 2026
Adjective
  • One star is a pale orange and the other is a very distinct blue.
    Mike Lynch, Twin Cities, 7 June 2026
  • Desmond has some distinct advantages.
    Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Disparate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disparate. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.

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